‘Justice Hrishikesh Roy Is A Theatre Person' : Justice KM Joseph Reveals 'Secret'

As the 5-Judge Bench was deliberating upon the modifications that have been sought to the directions for Living Will/ Advance Medical Directive issued in the court’s judgment recognising 'passive euthanasia' in Common Cause v. Union of India And Anr., it referred to Aruna Shanbaug’s case.

Aruna Shanbaug was a nurse at the KEM Hospital, who had spent more than 40 years in a persistent vegetative state (PVS) after being raped and strangled by a ward attendent. She suffered brainstem and cervical cord injury. Eventually journalist, Pinki Virani, had filed a petition before the Apex Court as Shanbaug’s next of kin, seeking passive euthanasia, which was denied. The Court acceded to the hospital staff’s objections to the plea.

In this context, Justice Roy referred to Lushin Dubey’s solo play which brings Aruna’s story to stage. Lushin Dubey is a celebrated stage actor and director. 

On a lighter vein, Justice Joseph told him, “Let them know about your theatrical (interests).”

Though the remark was meant only for Justice Roy, as the Judge’s microphone was on, everyone present in the courtroom; connected through Video Conferencing; and viewing the live stream could hear him. When Justice Joseph was apprised of the same, he took the opportunity to delve further into Justice Roy’s knowledge of the theatre.

“He is a theatre person, he has so much knowledge of theatre. Many people do not know that. In some of the judgments I find literary gems coming in. Where does he get it from, he gets it from there (theatre).”

Senior Advocate, Mr. Arvind Datar shared, “Justice Vivian Bose was interested in magic.”

In admiration of Justice Bose, Justice Joseph said -

“Out of the world. No one can come near him.”

Justice Roy pointed out that Nani Palkhivala often used to perform magic for children, who visited him, in order to entertain them.

Mr. Datar added -

“He was also a great violinist.”