'You Have To Give First Priority To Supreme Court': Justice MR Shah Objects To Adjournment Taken To Appear Before High Court

Supreme Court judge Justice MR Shah on Friday took strong objection to Senior Advocate Sidharth Luthra appearing before the Calcutta High Court, after a letter was circulated on his behalf before the Apex Court seeking adjournment saying that he was in a 'personal difficulty'.

"We, at least I, take strong objection. You appear before High Court or Trial Court after getting adjournment before Supreme Court? You have to give first priority to the Supreme Court." Justice MR Shah remarked.

A vacation bench comprising Justices Indira Banerjee and MR Shah was hearing Asaram Bapu's plea for suspension of sentence, in which Senior Advocate Luthra was appearing for the applicant.

As the case was taken, Justice MR Shah pointed out that when the matter was notified last time (June 15th) an adjournment was sought on Mr Luthra's behalf saying he had a personal difficulty; however, he appeared before the Calcutta High Court on the same day. ( Mr Luthra was appearing before a 5-Judge Bench of Calcutta Hight Court in Narada Scam case)

"You gave first priority to the High Court rather than the Supreme Court " Justice Shah remarked.

Mr. Luthra responded to Justice Shah's statement stating that the letter was corrected and a fresh letter was sent out. Justice Shah however stated that he never received any such corrected letter.

"I was in a part heard matter. It's not about priority. I was already in a part heard before another Court. I was on my legs since Thursday prior" Mr Luthra explained.

With regards to the adjournment letter, Mr Luthra stated that he had himself also pointed out to the briefing counsel that the letter ought not to have been circulated.

"They ought not to have circulated the letter. Your Lordship will understand my predicament as Senior Counsel. It is not within my control." Mr Luthra stated.

"Anyway, now take care in the future" Justice Shah said.

"I will be careful, no question. I am sorry, They had to clarify that, because I said you can't take ground for my personal difficulty. Merely because I am in a part-heard elsewhere is not a ground to seek an adjournment, Your Lordships is absolutely right." Senior Counsel Luthra said.

Mr.Luthra added that he himself had no knowledge about the letter, and was very livid when he got to know about the same through a portal, following which he pointed the mistake out and a correction was made.