"We Want To Change The Image Of Supreme Court As 'Tareekh Pe Tareekh' Court": Justice DY Chandrachud On The Practice Of Seeking Adjournments Routinely

Perturbed that the routine practice followed by the Advocates to seek adjournment has besmirched the reputation of the Apex Court, on Friday, Supreme Court Judge, Justice D.Y. Chandrachud reckoned that the institution aims to change its image as a 'tareek pe tareek' court.

"We want to change the image of the Supreme Court as the 'tareekh pe tareekh' court."

On Friday, as an advocate apprised the Bench comprising Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and Hima Kohli that he has circulated a letter seeking adjournment, Justice Chandrachud vehemently refused to stand over the matter to some other day. He asked the Counsel to argue then and there or take a pass over, prepare and then argue the matter. He emphasised -

"People will have to argue matters. This is the highest court of the land. We need to have a certain dignity of the institution also."

This is not the first time that the Judge has objected to adjournments. Recently, on being informed that a letter for adjournment has been circulated, he was concerned that while the judges burn the midnight oil and read case files, the Counsels conveniently shirk their responsibilities towards the Court by seeking adjournments.

"No, not like this. We sat down and read 61 matters...the last batch came to me last night. I woke up at 3:30 in the morning (today) to complete reading the files. If you want we can pass it over."

On another occasion, when the Counsel for a petitioner requested a matter to be adjourned stating that the Senior Advocate engaged in the matter is held up in another court, Justice Chandrachud had remarked -

"You are the Senior for us now. We give you the designation for the afternoon.If you don't argue...We are sworn to the Constitution so we'll go ahead and pass the judgment."

As the Counsel for respondent chimed in indicating that he had not objected to the adjournment, Justice Chandrachud had commented -

"The only aspect on which the lawyers of both sides agree is adjournment."