The Supreme Court criticised the growing chaos in courtrooms, saying lawyers shouting together was damaging hearings. “Ten people look at us and shout, which voice do we catch?” Justice Bhatti remarked, expressing serious concern.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India expressed its frustration regarding the increasing trend of lawyers making out-of-turn submissions, labeling such behavior as disorderly and harmful to effective hearings.
During a hearing of a Special Leave Petition concerning a Calcutta High Court ruling on the custody of a seized vehicle and goods, a Bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and SVN Bhatti made this clear.
As several advocates representing the petitioner began to speak at once, the Bench intervened and issued a firm reprimand.
Justice Bhatti commented,
“One counsel please… Somehow in the Supreme Court, I am unable to assimilate this—ten people look at us and shout, which voice do we catch? I have seen more damage caused this way than any help for the claimant.”
When the lead counsel explained that a lawyer from the Calcutta High Court was also present and had intervened, the Bench expressed further concern.
Justice Bhatti remarked,
“In High Courts such things don’t happen. Why should he do it when he is coming to the Supreme Court?”
These comments highlight the Court’s ongoing irritation with frequent disruptions and the lack of decorum displayed by legal practitioners.
Although the Bench accepted the counsel’s apology, Justice Bhatti emphasized,
“Please don’t take it otherwise. Sometimes, we also get irritated.”
The Bench indicated that when such things happen, it not only creates confusion but also harms the party that the lawyers are trying to support.