In a candid courtroom exchange, Supreme Court Judge Justice PV Sanjay Kumar on Wednesday cautioned a junior lawyer for openly stating that his senior was unavailable as he was “busy” arguing before a High Court, calling such honesty potentially detrimental in the apex court.
The episode unfolded during a hearing when the assisting counsel sought a pass over, informing the Bench that the arguing counsel could not appear because he was still engaged in proceedings before a High Court. Justice Kumar, visibly displeased with the candour, remarked:
“You must not be so honest. Learn that in future—you should never say in the Supreme Court that your senior is busy in High Court… Our egos are very fragile. You don’t want to offend the ego of the judge. Your case will go out. Directly. Not on merits. Do not tell things like this. Small white lies are permitted.”
Justice Vikram Nath, who was sitting alongside Justice Kumar on the Bench, concurred and added,
“Your senior should have taught you these things.”
The Bench initially passed over the matter. However, when the case was called again at the end of the board, the junior lawyer reiterated that the senior was still held up at the High Court. Ultimately, the Supreme Court adjourned the matter to July 14.
