“In some High Courts, it is shocking that despite court timings being 10:30 AM, some judges commence at 11:30 AM and conclude by 12:30 PM, though court proceedings extend until 1:30 PM. Additionally, it is concerning that certain judges do not convene sessions in the afternoon.”
NEW DELHI: Justice BR Gavai highlighted concerns regarding judicial punctuality, behavior with lawyers, and other issues during a conference in Kolkata. He criticized some judges for not adhering to court timings, often starting late and ending early, which he found troubling.
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Justice Gavai emphasized the qualities judges should embody: studiousness, courtesy, impartiality, and independence from external influences. He also cautioned against judges lobbying for elevation to the Supreme Court, stressing that such actions undermine judicial discipline.
During his address at a regional conference of the National Judicial Academy in Kolkata, Justice BR Gavai remarked on judicial punctuality, stating,
“In some High Courts, it is shocking that despite court timings being 10:30 AM, some judges commence at 11:30 AM and conclude by 12:30 PM, though court proceedings extend until 1:30 PM. Additionally, it is concerning that certain judges do not convene sessions in the afternoon.”
Furthermore, Justice Gavai addressed instances where lawyers were not treated with the respect they deserve, emphasizing the equal partnership between judges and lawyers in the justice system. He discouraged the practice of summoning government officials to court unnecessarily, stressing that officials also have duties to fulfill.
Justice Gavai cautioned against High Court judges lobbying for elevation to the Supreme Court, highlighting,
“Some judges go as far as campaigning for their candidacy, arguing their suitability over other senior judges. Such actions undermine the principle of judicial discipline that we must uphold.”
Concerns were also raised about the misrepresentation of judicial statements in media and social platforms, urging judges to maintain objectivity and not be swayed by external pressures when making decisions.
Justice Gavai emphasized the importance of respecting lawyers, stating,
“Lawyers deserve dignity and should not be subjected to humiliation by judges. Judges and lawyers are equal partners in administering justice; no one is superior or inferior. Disrespect towards lawyers diminishes rather than enhances the dignity of our judiciary.”
Regarding the summoning of senior government officials, Justice Gavai remarked,
“Some judges take pleasure in calling senior executives to court on a whim. Such orders should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, considering that officials also have responsibilities to fulfill in their respective roles.”
Justice Gavai expressed concern over the misrepresentation of judges’ remarks in live telecasts of court proceedings, stating,
“In today’s era of instant communication and widespread information dissemination, every word uttered in court can be swiftly shared, scrutinized, and often distorted on social media platforms. Judges’ statements, intended as exploratory questions or reflections on arguments, can be taken out of context to sway public opinion or exert pressure on the judiciary.”
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He urged judges to maintain their objectivity and impartiality amidst external pressures, emphasizing,
“The integrity of the judicial process hinges on judges’ ability to deliberate and decide cases based solely on the law and presented facts, unaffected by public sentiment or media interpretations.”
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