Train Journey 'Inconvenience' Row| 'Protocol Facilities For Judges Shouldn't Be Used In A Manner Which Brings Public Criticism Of Judiciary': CJI DY Chandrachud

Taking exception to the explanation called from Railway Officials at the instance of one of the judges of the Allahabad High Court over the 'inconvenience' caused to him during a train journey, the Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has written a letter to all Chief Justices of the High Court sharing his displeasure and concerns regarding the entire issue.

In his letter, CJI Chandrachud has stressed that protocol facilities available for the judges should not be used in a manner that is "liable to result in inconvenience to others or to bring public criticism of the judiciary." 

Referring to the communication addressed to General Manager, North Central Railway by the Registrar (Protocol) Allahabad High Court (dated July 14), the CJI has said that the same has given rise to "justifiable disquiet both within and outside the judiciary"

In order to "prevent further embarrassment" to the High Court, though the letter of the CJI doesn't mention the name of the Judge or the High Court, it however, asserts that a Judge of the High Court does not possess disciplinary jurisdiction over railway personnel.

The letter goes on to say that an officer of the High Court did not have to call for an explanation from the railway personnel "to be placed before His Lordship for kind perusal".

"Protocol 'facilities' which are made available to Judges should not be utilised to assert a claim to privilege which sets them apart from society or as a manifestation of power or authority. A wise exercise of judicial authority, both on and off the Bench, is what sustains the credibility and legitimacy of the judiciary and the confidence which society has in its Judges," the letter states.

"I am writing this to all the Chief Justices of the High Courts with an earnest request to share my concerns with all colleagues across the High Courts. Self-reflection and counselling within the judiciary is necessary. Protocol facilities which are made available to Judges should not be used in a manner that is liable to result in inconvenience to others or to bring public criticism of the judiciary," the letter further adds.

It may be recalled that on July 14, the Registrar (protocol) of Allahabad High Court called for an explanation from the concerned ‘erring officials, GRP personnel and pantry Car manager’ for the inconvenience caused to a Judge of the HC during his train journey on July 8 (New Delhi- Prayagraj).

The letter stated that the train was late by more than three hours and despite repeated intimation to the T.T.E, no G.R.P personnel were found in the coach to “meet the requirements as desired by His Lordship”.

“Further, no Pantry Car workers attended His Lordship for providing refreshments despite repeated calls. Moreover, when the call was made to the Pantry Car Manager Mr. Raj Tripathi, the call was not picked up,” the letter further stated.

Underscoring that the aforesaid incident caused great inconvenience and displeasure to His Lordship, the letter adds thus:

“Hon'ble Judge has desired that explanation may be called from the erring officials of the Railways, the G.R.P Personnel and the Pantry Car Manager pertaining to the inconvenience caused to His Lordship due to their conduct and dereliction of duty”.