Gujarat High Court Judge Criticizes Lawyers' Attempts To 'Browbeat' Him In Court Proceedings

Justice J C Doshi of the Gujarat High Court on Monday expressed dismay over what he described as attempts by lawyers to "browbeat" him in numerous cases.

His remarks came during hearing of two anticipatory bail applications filed by lawyers representing former IAS officer SK Langa, in a case concerning irregularities in land transactions.

As the court was prepared to deliver its verdict on Langa's bail applications, his legal representatives requested to withdraw the pleas. They apologized for the delayed request and argued that the dismissal of the bail applications would have significant consequences in the case.

Responding to this, Justice Doshi expressed his discontent, stating, "I cannot say that I am not inclined. It has different repercussions...then browbeating begins."

He mentioned that he had already drafted 20 pages of the order and intended to include the withdrawal request at the end. Despite this, the lawyers persisted with their request.

This led to further exasperation from Justice Doshi, who remarked, "I am not here to fight with persons or to hear their sarcastic words... When I am disclosing my mind, I'm getting browbeating from members of the bar. Everyone is a witness here."