Interrupting Solicitor General Tushar Mehta mid-hearing, CJI DY Chandrachud on Tuesday (April 9th) made a case for stools for the junior lawyers standing behind the top lawyer.
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NEW DELHI: Chief Justice DY Chandrachud made a notable gesture during a hearing Yesterday, surprising the court as he interrupted Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to advocate for the comfort of young lawyers. Amidst the proceedings, he highlighted the need for stools for junior lawyers who often stand behind the leading lawyer.
“Mr. Solicitor, all our young juniors stand day after day, I have been noticing, with their laptops in their hand. In the afternoon, the court master will see if he can accommodate them behind you immediately,”
-remarked the Chief Justice to Mr. Mehta, emphasizing the need to address the discomfort faced by junior lawyers.
The hearing was being conducted by a nine-judge constitution bench, presided over by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, regarding a batch of appeals questioning whether states possess the legislative authority to regulate the sale and manufacture of industrial alcohol. This hearing comes after a seven-judge constitution bench ruled against such powers in 1990.
Responding to the Chief Justice’s concern, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta acknowledged the issue, stating,
“I too have been watching this,”
and informed the court that he had requested other lawyers in the courtroom, not involved in the ongoing case, to vacate their chairs in favor of the junior lawyers.
Such a gesture from the Chief Justice reflects an acknowledgment of the challenges faced by junior lawyers and underscores the importance of ensuring their comfort and inclusion within the courtroom. It highlights a compassionate approach toward fostering an environment conducive to the professional growth and well-being of all members of the legal fraternity.
“I just told the court master to find out, if he can put some stools…we will try and put some stools,”
-said the Chief Justice, reflecting his proactive approach to addressing the comfort of young lawyers within the courtroom.
Following the lunch break, as the case resumed, the courtroom witnessed a surprising development – a row of stools had appeared, indicating the implementation of the Chief Justice’s instructions.
Sources within the Supreme Court Registry revealed that the Chief Justice had specifically instructed to make seating arrangements for the young lawyers, demonstrating his commitment to their well-being and comfort.
Before the proceedings commenced, the Chief Justice personally inspected the seating arrangement. He approached the area where the lawyers were standing and sat on the stools to ensure everything was in order. Additionally, he ensured that the seating arrangement did not obstruct the view of the lawyers or pose any hindrance to the Solicitor General.
“The Chief Justice is an epitome of generosity. Today’s gesture is not only unprecedented but requires to be followed by all courts. A person sitting at the highest pedestal of judicial hierarchy being so exceptionally considerate to young lawyers’ discomfort even without being told by anyone is salute worthy,”
-expressed Mr. Mehta, acknowledging the Chief Justice’s remarkable gesture.
“All young lawyers had no words to express gratitude today. I am overwhelmed,”
-Mr. Mehta added, reflecting the profound impact of the Chief Justice’s thoughtful action on the legal community.
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