In a stern rebuke delivered on Tuesday, India’s Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, expressed his displeasure over a concerning trend of lawyers repeatedly mentioning the same case for listing. This practice, according to the Chief Justice, is aimed at securing a favorable hearing date through strategic maneuvering.
Chandrachud, addressing the issue in open court, emphasized that he would not allow his discretionary powers as Chief Justice to be manipulated for such purposes. He stated firmly that his personal credibility was at stake and that the court must uphold its standard procedures for case listings.
The Chief Justice’s comments arose during a hearing where a lawyer attempted to mention a matter concerning a lapsed mining lease. The CJI pointed out that the same case had already been mentioned the previous day. He then addressed the court, expressing his disapproval of this tactic: “Stop this practice of repeated mentioning by different counsels. All of you are just trying to take a chance. Whatever little discretion I have as the CJI will never be exercised in your favour, because there is an attempt to take this court for a ride,” he declared.
Further emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Chandrachud added, “Get three different counsels and see, you know – the judge blinks and get an order – that’s what is happening in this Court and I will not do it. Because my personal credibility is at stake, that I do not follow consistency in listing.”
His remarks underscore the importance of maintaining fairness and procedural integrity within the Indian legal system. This incident highlights the Chief Justice’s commitment to upholding the court’s reputation and ensuring that all cases are treated with equal consideration, regardless of legal tactics employed by individual counsels.
