NEW DELHI: In a firm rebuke, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud expressed disapproval over a lawyer’s use of informal language during court proceedings on Monday. The lawyer, while addressing the bench, casually said “yeah” multiple times, prompting the CJI to respond sharply, stating that such language was inappropriate in a courtroom setting.
The incident occurred during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed against former Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi. The lawyer had named Justice Gogoi as a respondent in a petition related to a previous dismissal of a plea concerning labour laws.
CJI Chandrachud questioned the appropriateness of filing a PIL against a judge, highlighting the need for respect and dignity in such matters. The lawyer was explaining a 2018 petition where he had listed former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi as a respondent.
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The CJI questioned the legality of the petition, asking, “But is it an Article 32 plea? How can you file a PIL with a judge as a respondent?” The lawyer, defending his stance, replied, “Yeah, yeah, the then CJI Ranjan Gogoi… I was asked to file a curative…” before being interrupted by the Chief Justice, who emphasized the seriousness of courtroom decorum. “This is not a coffee shop! I am very allergic to this ‘yeah, yeah,’” CJI Chandrachud remarked, cutting off the lawyer mid-sentence.
Article 32 of the Indian Constitution allows citizens to seek constitutional remedies for the violation of their fundamental rights. However, CJI Chandrachud reminded the lawyer that challenging a former judge’s decision in this manner was not permissible.
“Justice Gogoi was a former judge of this court. You cannot file a plea like this against a judge and seek an in-house inquiry because you did not succeed before the bench,” CJI Chandrachud stated.
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Addressing the substance of the plea, CJI Chandrachud explained that the lawyer could not impugn a judge after an unfavourable decision, particularly when seeking an in-house inquiry.
He clarified that Justice Gogoi, now a Rajya Sabha MP, should not have been named in the petition. Before concluding, the CJI advised the lawyer to modify his petition and remove Justice Gogoi’s name.
The court’s registry has been directed to review the petition, and further proceedings will take place once the necessary amendments are made.