A tense confrontation unfolded at the Madras High Court on Wednesday between Justice GR Swaminathan and IPS officer A Arun, the Director of the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC). The judge expressed his displeasure after court staff were made to wait over two hours to serve a summons at the officer's office.
Court Staff Delay Sparks Judge's Anger
Justice Swaminathan, presiding over a vacation bench, noted that the court staff arrived at Arun's office at 3:05 PM but had to wait until 5:15 PM before the camp clerk signed and accepted the summons. The visibly angry judge remarked, "The court staff had to wait from 3.05 pm to 5.15 pm before the camp clerk signed the summon and received it."
He then passed over the case for hearing later in the day, stating, "The man (Arun) should wait here (in the court) till the case is heard." The judge moved the case file aside, signaling his displeasure.
Government Counsel Interrupted
When government counsel R John Sathyan attempted to offer an explanation, the judge cut him off, saying, "We want to see the face, who made us wait." He summoned the clerk from the IPS officer's office to appear before the court.
Background of the Case
The case pertains to the detention of real estate builder Santosh Sharma under the Goondas Act. During the hearing of an interim bail plea filed by Sharma's wife, Kalpana Sharma, the court had termed the detention draconian and summoned IPS officer A Arun, who was the city police commissioner at the time of the detention.
The judge's strong reaction underscores the judiciary's insistence on respect for court processes and timely compliance with summons.
