Today, On 3rd October, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, who is set to retire on November 10, firmly reminded a lawyer during a hearing that he remains in charge, albeit for a short time. The remark came as he asserted his authority in court. Justice Chandrachud’s tenure has been marked by significant rulings, and this statement reflects his continued commitment to leading the judiciary until his retirement.
New Delhi: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud reprimanded a lawyer in the Supreme Court today after the lawyer mentioned that he cross-checked details of an order with the court master.
The Chief Justice remarked sharply,
“How dare you ask the court master what I dictated in court? Tomorrow you’ll be at my house, asking my personal secretary what I’m doing. Have lawyers lost all sense?”
He went on to assert, he further added,
“I am still in charge, though only for a short time. Don’t try these funny tricks again. These are my last days in the court,”
The strong comments made during a discussion regarding an arbitration order.
Chief Justice Chandrachud, set to retire on November 10, will be succeeded by Justice Sanjiv Khanna. Throughout his two-year tenure, Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized maintaining decorum in the courtroom, frequently admonishing lawyers for bypassing procedures and engaging in unprofessional conduct.
Earlier this week, another instance unfolded in court when Chief Justice DY Chandrachud reprimanded a lawyer for using the informal term “yeah” while addressing the bench.
The Chief Justice said firmly,
“This is not a coffee shop! What is this ‘yeah yeah’? I am very allergic to this ‘yeah yeah.’ This cannot be allowed,”
In a similar incident earlier this year, during the hearing of the crucial electoral bonds case, the Chief Justice sharply criticized a lawyer for raising his voice in court.
He stated,
“Don’t shout at me. This is not a Hyde Park corner meeting; you are in a court. If you want to move an application, file it. You have my decision as Chief Justice, and we are not hearing you. If you want to file an application, move it through email that’s the rule in this court,”
In essence, this statement encapsulates a balance between authority, impending transition, and a strong stance against perceived misconduct in the courtroom. The CJI is sending a clear signal that even in his final days, he remains committed to upholding the dignity of the court and ensuring that justice is administered without any interference or inappropriate behaviour.