The Supreme Court emphasized the need for judges to exercise restraint and responsibility when making public remarks, especially during live-streamed proceedings. This directive comes in response to controversial comments made by a judge from the Punjab and Haryana High Court during a live contempt hearing.
A five-judge bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, addressed the issue while expunging remarks they deemed “scandalous” and “unwarranted,” which were directed against the apex court by Justice Rajbir Sehrawat. The contentious comments arose during a July 17 hearing and were subsequently circulated in a widely viewed video, prompting scrutiny and debate about judicial conduct and the broader implications for the justice system.
“In an era of immediate and widespread reporting, and particularly with the advent of court proceedings being live-streamed to enhance public access to justice, judges must be particularly circumspect in their remarks,” stated Chief Justice Chandrachud. He underscored the potential damage to the sanctity of the judicial process from offhand or unnecessary remarks made during hearings.
The bench, which also included Justices Sanjiv Khanna, B R Gavai, Surya Kant, and Hrishikesh Roy, took note of the video from the July 17 proceedings which highlighted the inappropriate observations. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Supreme Court in this matter, pointed out the harmful effects of such comments.
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The apex court has expressed its hopes that judges will adhere to a standard of conduct that maintains the dignity and integrity of the judiciary. Additionally, it has been reported that a division bench of the high court, presided over by the Chief Justice, has taken suo motu cognizance of Justice Sehrawat’s remarks and has stayed the controversial order.
