'Don't try funny tricks...': CJI Chandrachud scolds lawyer in court
What's the story
Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud on Thursday reprimanded a lawyer for cross-checking the details of an order with the court master during a Supreme Court hearing. "I am still in charge of this court, though only for a short time," said CJI Chandrachud, who is set to retire on November 10. The exchange took place when the lawyer mentioned that he had verified the specifics of an arbitration order with the court master.
Courtroom decorum
CJI Chandrachud's stern warning to legal practitioners
Visibly irked by the lawyer's actions, CJI Chandrachud immediately rebuked him. "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 said. In his final weeks in office, Chandrachud asserted his authority in the courtroom and cautioned against such practices. "Don't try these funny tricks again," he warned.
Unfavorable tactics
CJI Chandrachud criticizes emerging legal practices
This is not the first time CJI Chandrachud has voiced his displeasure over courtroom conduct. Earlier this week, he criticized the emerging practice of different lawyers repeatedly mentioning the same case in an attempt to secure favorable dates. "This is a new practice," he remarked. "Once a judge blinks, you get some date. A little bit of discretion I have as the Chief Justice will never be exercised in your favor."
Professionalism upheld
CJI Chandrachud's stance on courtroom language and conduct
Chandrachud also previously admonished a petitioner for using informal language in court. When the individual addressed the bench with "yeah," the Chief Justice scolded him, stating, "This is not a coffee shop! What is this 'yeah yeah?' I am very allergic to this ' yeah yeah.' This cannot be allowed." During his tenure, he has often rebuked lawyers for bypassing processes and callous conduct in court.