In an unusual expression of frustration, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud issued a caution to a lawyer today amidst a heated exchange regarding the listing of a petition. Stressing the significance of maintaining decorum in the courtroom, Justice Chandrachud reproached the advocate for his tone and discouraged any attempts to intimidate the court.
During the exchange, visibly upset, Justice Chandrachud
interjected, insisting on a more respectful and measured approach. He sternly
warned, "One second, lower your voice. You're arguing before the first
court of the Supreme Court of India; lower your pitch, otherwise, I will have
you removed from the Court."
Furthermore, he questioned the advocate's usual practices,
inquiring, "Where do you normally appear? Is this the way you shout at
judges every time?"
Highlighting the importance of maintaining decorum, the
Chief Justice remarked, "Please lower your pitch first. If you think you
can browbeat us by raising your voice, you're mistaken. It has not happened in
23 years; it will not happen in the last year of my career."
Taken aback by the stern warning, the advocate promptly
apologized and continued with his submissions in a more courteous manner.
This incident marks not the first time Justice Chandrachud
has emphasized the need for maintaining courtroom decorum. On a previous
occasion, he expressed strong disapproval of a lawyer talking on the mobile
phone inside the courtroom, stating, "Is this a market that you are
talking on the phone? Confiscate his mobile phone."
In March last year, Justice Chandrachud reportedly raised
his voice at senior advocate Vikas Singh, who was urging the Supreme Court to
expedite a case related to land for Supreme Court lawyers. The Chief Justice,
in a furious response, snapped, "Keep quiet. Leave this court right now.
You cannot cower us down!"
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