True to his image for respecting court room etiquettes, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud pulled up a party-in-person for repeatedly using the informal “yeah” during court proceedings. Emphasizing the importance of court room etiquettes, he stated, “Don’t say ‘yeah’, say ‘yes’. This is not a coffee shop, this is a court.” He added, “I am a little allergic to people saying ‘yeah’.”
This incident occurred while the court was reviewing a case in which the petitioner sought an internal inquiry against a judge who had denied him relief. The litigant, representing himself, referenced a petition where he included retired Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi as a respondent, claiming the petition was filed in May 2018.
Expressing surprise, CJI Chandrachud questioned the appropriateness of filing a public interest litigation (PIL) against a sitting judge, asserting, “There has to be some dignity. You cannot simply demand an inquiry against a judge because you were unsuccessful in your case.” He reminded the petitioner that Justice Gogoi, as a former Chief Justice, deserved respect, stating, “We cannot tolerate this.”
The petitioner argued that Justice Gogoi had dismissed his case based on an incorrect statement and alleged significant legal errors in the judgment. CJI Chandrachud responded, “Regardless of right or wrong, the Supreme Court’s judgment is final. Your review has been dismissed, and you should file a curative petition instead, but you refuse to do so.”
CJI Chandrachud Asks lawyer to Lower His Voice
Earlier, in a different incident on September 9, during a hearing related to a kolkata rape and murder case, CJI Chandrachud had admonished a lawyer for raising his voice. The exchange heated up when senior advocate Kapil Sibal presented videos and photos, claiming involvement of BJP leader Bagchi in protests against the case. In response, Bagchi challenged Sibal’s credibility, leading to a tense moment.
CJI Chandrachud addressed Bagchi, saying, “Can you first lower your pitch? Remember, you are speaking to three judges, not a large audience watching via video.”
‘Call Security, Have Him Removed’: CJI asks senior lawyer to leave court
In another instance on July 23, 2024, during a heated exchange in a Supreme Court hearing on NEET-UG petitions, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud had to call upon the security to restrain senior advocate Mathews Nedumpara from making repeated interruptions in court proceedings, by way of escorting him out of the court room. The confrontation unfolded when Nedumpara interrupted senior advocate Narender Hooda, who was representing one of the petitioners. Chief Justice Chandrachud initially requested Nedumpara to speak after Hooda had finished his argument. However, Nedumpara insisted, claiming his seniority among the lawyers present.
When Nedumpara continued to interject, CJI Chandrachud firmly instructed him to sit down, stating, “I don’t want you to answer the question. Sit down otherwise I will have you removed from the court.”
Nedumpara retorted, “If you don’t respect me, I myself will leave.”
The Chief Justice emphasized the need for orderly proceedings, particularly while Hooda was presenting his arguments. Despite this, Nedumpara attempted to continue, prompting CJI Chandrachud to instruct his staff, “Please call the security and have Mr. Nedumpara removed from the court.”
