In a dramatic moment at the Supreme Court, Chief Justice of India Gavai delivered a stern rebuke to Attorney General R Venkataramani during a recent hearing. The confrontation occurred when the AG sought an adjournment in a crucial case, prompting the CJI to express strong disapproval of the practice.
Judicial Time Must Be Respected
The Chief Justice emphasized that last-minute adjournment requests are "not fair to the court" and demonstrate disregard for the judiciary's valuable time. "We have been noticing this trend," Justice Gavai remarked, highlighting what appears to be a growing pattern of such requests from government counsel.
Attorney General's Response
Faced with the court's displeasure, the Attorney General acknowledged the concern but cited "certain difficulties" preventing him from proceeding with the case. The matter in question involved significant constitutional questions that required thorough preparation and presentation.
Broader Implications for Judicial Efficiency
This incident sheds light on the ongoing challenges facing India's judicial system, where frequent adjournments contribute to case backlogs and delayed justice. The Supreme Court's firm stance signals a potential shift toward stricter case management and greater accountability for all parties appearing before the court.
The court ultimately agreed to reschedule the hearing while making clear that such requests should become the exception rather than the rule in future proceedings.
