In an unusual turn of events, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud expressed frustration today during a heated exchange with a lawyer over the listing of a petition. Justice Chandrachud cautioned the advocate about his tone and warned against attempting to browbeat the court.
Justice Chandrachud, visibly upset, interrupted the lawyer, insisting on a more respectful approach. “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,” declared the CJI.
The Chief Justice questioned the advocate’s usual practices, stating, “Where do you normally appear? Is this the way you shout at judges every time?” He emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum in the courtroom, saying, “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 proceeded with his submissions in a more courteous manner.
This incident is not the first time Justice Chandrachud has emphasized maintaining decorum in the courtroom. On a previous occasion, he strongly objected to a lawyer talking on the mobile phone inside the courtroom.
In March last year, Justice Chandrachud reportedly “shouted at the top of his voice” at a senior advocate Vikas Singh, urging the Supreme Court to expedite a case related to land for Supreme Court lawyers. The Chief Justice, furious, snapped: “Keep quiet. Leave this court right now. You cannot cower us down!”
