Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud voiced strong disapproval in open court over the growing practice of lawyers repeatedly mentioning the same case to secure a listing, calling it a matter of concern for his personal credibility. Addressing the issue on Tuesday, he emphasized that this practice was undermining the credibility of the judiciary and affecting how cases are listed for hearings.
“This is a new practice,” said CJI Chandrachud, as reported by Bar and Bench. “Different counsels mention the same case for listing, and once a judge blinks, you get some date. This is the practice which is emerging.”
The Chief Justice’s remarks reflect his frustration with the way some lawyers have been trying to manipulate the system to their advantage. By making multiple requests for case listings through different counsels, these lawyers seek favorable dates or orders. The CJI made it clear that such tactics would not be tolerated under his leadership.
CJI Chandrachud Speaks Out
CJI Chandrachud did not mince words as he expressed how the integrity of his role and the judicial process was at risk. He warned that his discretionary powers as the head of the judiciary would not be used to accommodate lawyers attempting to bypass standard procedures.
“My personal credibility is at stake,” he said. “I have to follow standard rules for all. A little bit of discretion, which I have as the CJI, will never be exercised in your favour. You cannot take the court for a ride.”
CJI Chandrachud’s statement underscores the importance of maintaining a transparent and fair judicial process. By publicly addressing the issue, he reinforced the message that the judiciary would not succumb to attempts to manipulate case listings for personal gain.
What Happened in the Supreme Court?
CJI Chandrachud’s remarks came during a Supreme Court hearing on Tuesday when a lawyer mentioned a matter related to the lapse of a mining lease. The case had already been mentioned on Monday before the same bench, which prompted the CJI to address the repetitive nature of the requests.
He noted how some lawyers have been taking advantage of the system by repeatedly mentioning the same cases to secure a favorable outcome. The CJI took a firm stand, urging the legal fraternity to discourage this behavior.
“Stop this practice of repeated mentioning by different counsels,” CJI Chandrachud said, as reported by Live Law. “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.”
His frustration was apparent, as he made it clear that such practices would not only compromise the court’s integrity but also impact the faith the public has in the judicial system.
The Importance of Judicial Integrity
CJI Chandrachud’s open court comments reflect the broader issue of maintaining judicial integrity in the face of procedural abuses. The judiciary’s credibility hinges on its adherence to principles of fairness, impartiality, and transparency. Any deviation from these principles could erode public trust.
Repeated mentionings of the same case by different lawyers not only slow down the judicial process but also create an unfair advantage for those who manage to exploit this loophole. By firmly addressing this issue, CJI Chandrachud has sent a strong message that the judiciary will remain impartial and will not cater to those attempting to manipulate the system.
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The Chief Justice’s remarks also highlight the challenges faced by the judiciary in maintaining procedural discipline while managing an overwhelming number of cases. With the Supreme Court often inundated with requests for case listings, ensuring that cases are heard in an orderly and fair manner is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and reputation of the judicial system.
Upholding Standards and Fairness
CJI Chandrachud’s insistence on adhering to standard rules for case listings reflects his commitment to upholding the highest standards of judicial conduct. His decision to speak out publicly about the issue also serves as a reminder to the legal community that the judiciary’s processes cannot be bent for personal convenience.
By making it clear that his discretionary powers will not be misused, CJI Chandrachud aims to restore balance and integrity to the case-listing process. His remarks also encourage lawyers to respect the procedural framework that governs the judiciary, ensuring that cases are heard on merit rather than through procedural manipulation.
CJI DY Chandrachud’s open court remarks signal a strong commitment to preserving the credibility of the judiciary. By addressing the practice of repeated mentionings by different lawyers, he has reinforced the need for transparency, fairness, and procedural discipline in the judicial process. His personal credibility, and by extension the integrity of the court, remains a priority, as the judiciary seeks to maintain public trust and ensure justice is served impartially.
