In a recent courtroom drama that unfolded in New Delhi, the Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, didn’t hold back his words when he reprimanded a lawyer right within the confines of the Supreme Court. The incident, which threw light on the standards of conduct expected in courtrooms, showcased the Chief Justice’s firm stance on maintaining decorum and respect within the judicial realm.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, who assumed his prestigious role in November 2022, is known for his direct approach and commitment to upholding court etiquette. He is nearing the end of his tenure, with his retirement scheduled for November 10. Yet, his resolve to ensure order in the court remains unwavering, as was evident from the incident.
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud took over in November 2022 and is set to retire next month
A Stern Warning by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud
The moment of contention arose when a lawyer, seeking to confirm the details of an order dictated in court, approached the court master for clarification. This move, seemingly innocent in its intent, did not sit well with Chief Justice Chandrachud.
“How dare you ask the court master what I dictated in the court? Tomorrow you will come to my house and ask the personal secretary what I am doing. Lawyers have lost all sense or what,” he remarked, visibly perturbed by the lawyer’s overstep. He further warned, “Don’t try these funny tricks again, these are my last days in the court,” signaling his intolerance towards any breach of procedure or respect.
Expectations of Decorum of the Court
Chief Justice Chandrachud’s tenure has been characterized by a pressing emphasis on courtroom decorum. His keen observation and no-nonsense response to casual or inappropriate conduct have made headlines before.
The Allergy to Casualness
An instance that stands out involved the Chief Justice calling out a lawyer for the casual use of ‘yeah’ while addressing the bench. “This is not a coffee shop! What is this yeah yeah. I am very allergic to this yeah yeah. This cannot be allowed,” he had stated, pointing out the casualness creeping into the courtroom proceedings.
Maintaining the Legal Sanctity
Another noteworthy moment was during the hearing of the critical electoral bonds case earlier this year. A lawyer, perhaps carried away by the intensity of the moment, raised his voice while addressing the bench. The Chief Justice’s response was swift and stern. “Don’t shout at me. This is not a Hyde Park corner meeting, you are in the court. You want to move an application, file an application. You have got my decision as Chief Justice, we are not hearing you. If you want to file an application, move it on the email. That’s the rule in this court,” he had said.
Such incidents highlight not only the Chief Justice’s dedication to preserving the solemnity and respect of the courtroom but also serve as a reminder to all legal professionals about the importance of adhering to the established protocols and respecting the judiciary’s sanctity.
As Chief Justice DY Chandrachud prepares to pass on the mantle to Justice Sanjiv Khanna next month, his stringent yet vital lessons on decorum and professional conduct will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the legal community. His tenure, though short, has been marked by impactful rulings and a clear message: the courtroom is a place of respect, order, and serious business, where the rules of engagement are not to be taken lightly.
