The Supreme Court on Friday made a significant remark on the sanctity of the judicial process, observing, “Don’t see God in us. Please see God in justice,” while hearing a case related to a temple dispute in Uttar Pradesh.
The remark came from a bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice K. Vinod Chandran after a lawyer appearing in the matter sought to be discharged from the case, citing misconduct by his own client.
The counsel informed the bench that his client was not cooperating with him and had even sent a notice containing serious allegations, including claims that “judges were getting fixed through lawyers.” Calling the assertion “very contemptuous,” the advocate said, “We withdraw from the cases if we find there is some dishonesty going on. We see God in our judges.”
Responding firmly, Justice Sundresh remarked, “Don’t see God in us. Please see God in justice,” underscoring the principle that reverence should be directed toward the ideal of justice rather than individual officeholders.
The bench accepted the counsel’s request and discharged him from the case.
