On Friday, the Supreme Court Judge, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud reckoned that the institution aims to change its image as a ‘tareek pe tareek’ court, perturbed that the routine practice followed by the Advocates to seek adjournment has besmirched the reputation of the Apex Court.
Justice D.Y. Chandrachud remarked that We want to change the image of the Supreme Court as the ‘tareekh pe tareekh’ court.
However, as an advocate apprised the bench comprising of Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and the Justice Hima Kohli observed that he has circulated a letter seeking adjournment. Thus, Justice Chandrachud vehemently refused to stand over the matter to some other day. Further, he asked the Counsel to argue then and there or take a pass over, prepare and then argue the matter.
He emphasised that the People will have to argue matters. As this being the highest court of the land. Also, we need to have a certain dignity of the institution.
It was observed that this is not the first time that the Judge has objected to adjournments. Recently, he of being informed that a letter for adjournment has been circulated, he was concerned that while the judges burn the midnight oil and read case files, the Counsels appearing conveniently shirk their responsibilities towards the Court by seeking adjournments.
Justice Chandrachud remarked that No, not like this. We sat down and had read 61 matters… the last batch came to me last night. I woke up at 3:30 in the morning to complete reading the files and if you want, we can pass it over. On another occasion, when it was requested by the counsel appearing for the petitioner for a matter to be adjourned stating that the Senior Advocate engaged in the matter is held up in another court. It was remarked by Justice Chandrachud that “Now you are a Senior for us. We give you the designation for the afternoon and If you don’t argue…We are sworn to the Constitution so we’ll go ahead and will pass the judgment.
As the counsel appearing for the respondent claimed in indicating that he had not objected to the adjournment.
It had been commented by Justice Chandrachud, “Adjournment is the only aspect on which the lawyers of both sides agree”.
Justice Chandrachud remarked that No, not like this. We sat down and had read 61 matters… the last batch came to me last night. I woke up at 3:30 in the morning to complete reading the files and if you want, we can pass it over. On another occasion, when it was requested by the counsel appearing for the petitioner for a matter to be adjourned stating that the Senior Advocate engaged in the matter is held up in another court.
