Former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud has disclosed that during his tenure as CJI, he had to step in after a Karnataka High Court judge referred to a Muslim-majority locality as “Pakistan.”
In an interview with Lallantop, Chandrachud said he came across a video clip of the incident, which took place during a hearing under the Motor Vehicles Act. “As far as I remember, during a hearing in the Karnataka High Court, a judge said, ‘the area beyond this bridge is Pakistan.’ I saw the video myself. I took suo motu cognisance and constituted a bench of five judges. I said it is completely wrong for a High Court judge to call any part of India Pakistan. We issued notice and ascertained the truth,” he revealed.
‘Judges Must Speak With Dignity’
The inquiry confirmed that the remarks had indeed been made. The then CJI passed a short order stressing that judges must refrain from such statements. “I held that no judge should say such a thing. Whatever you say, or the judgments you pronounce, must carry dignity. It has an impact on society,” Chandrachud said.
On Justice Yashwant Varma Row
Chandrachud was also asked about the controversy surrounding the discovery of large amounts of cash at the Delhi residence of Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma. He said that while an FIR ought to have been filed in such a situation, it was equally important to ensure that due process was followed.
“Was the money his, was it found in his home? Let us not jump to conclusions before he is given a full opportunity of hearing,” Chandrachud stated. He underlined that while accountability was essential, restraint in public commentary was equally necessary, especially from those holding high constitutional offices.
“When people occupy high constitutional positions, one must exercise restraint in comments. An FIR should have been filed, but at the same time the judge must be given a chance to defend himself,” the former CJI remarked.
