"We Don't Understand What You're Saying" : Supreme Court To Party-in-Person Who Argued In Hindi; Appoints A Lawyer For Him

Recent years have witnessed many litigants appearing as party-in-person before various High Courts as well as the Supreme Court. While some appear out of sheer will, a huge chunk of them appear-in-person due to the lack of knowledge that they are entitled to free legal aid.

One such party in person appeared before the Supreme Court today. With folded hands and a set of documents, he began making his submissions in Hindi.

This prompted a bench of Justices KM Joseph and Hrishikesh Roy to observe that they don't understand hindi.

"We can't understand what you are saying. The language of this court is English."

However, the party in person continued with his request in Hindi. Noting the evident language barrier, an advocate, who was waiting for his matter to reach, went up to the party and translated everything that the Bench had said.

Additional Solicitor General Madhavi Divan, who was present in Court, also rushed to the party's aid. After a brief conversation with him in Hindi, she apprised the Bench that he wished to have a lawyer.

Hearing this, the bench pointed to the lawyer who translated for the benefit of the petitioner,

"Can you take it up?", the Bench asked to which the advocate promptly accepted.

" We hope you are doing it pro-bono", the Bench said.

"Yes, your Lordships", the advocate replied.

Before posting the matter to December 4, the Bench asked the advocate to take his time to be familiar with the facts of the case.

"Its a very convoluted matter. Please take your time and go through it. We are posting it on Dec 4."

Case Title: Shankar Lal Sharma vs Rajesh Koolwal and Ors | SLP(C) No. 17157/2022

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