In a significant move toward ensuring decorum in courtrooms, the President of the All India Bar Association (AIBA) and former president of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), Adish Aggarwala, has reached out to Chief Justice of India, Dr. D.Y. Chandrachud. Aggarwala’s communication seeks the establishment of clear guidelines governing judges’ conduct during judicial proceedings, especially in interactions with lawyers.
The call for new protocols comes in the wake of an unsettling episode during a virtual hearing at the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, involving senior advocate P Wilson. The incident, highlighted by Aggarwala in his letter dated October 7, involved alleged inappropriate behavior by a senior judge, who reportedly shouted and used derogatory language against Wilson, despite the advocate’s polite demeanor and clear explanations.
Aggarwala’s letter details the contentious interaction, where the senior judge not only berated the advocates but also misinterpreted Wilson’s intentions, erroneously recording that the advocate sought the recusal of a “junior judge” and disrespected the court. This, Aggarwala argues, sets a precarious precedent that could undermine judicial integrity and erode public trust in the legal system.
The former SCBA president advocated for a “monitoring mechanism” led by a retired Supreme Court judge to oversee courtroom interactions, ensuring they adhere to the highest standards of respect and professionalism. Additionally, he proposed the formation of a redressal committee accessible to advocates for addressing complaints against judicial conduct.
These measures, Aggarwala suggests, are imperative to safeguard the dignity of legal proceedings and advocate rights, particularly in the increasing number of virtual hearings, which are susceptible to public scrutiny.
