This is based on what I overheard yesterday in Supreme Court Bar Library. Two senior advocates (names forgotten) were discussing why Justice Katju was popular in Bar in spite of his harsh words. (He recently said, 90% Indians are fools).
The senior advocate recalled instances were Justice Katju had openly insulted a lawyer for his inefficiency, in front of his clients.
Even the top most and richest lawyers of India felt insecure in his court. They never knew when Justice Katju will expose their hypocrisy in open court, in front of other lawyers and in front of their clients.
And yet he was popular in Bar. Why?
According to this senior advocate, the Judge used to give "relief'' to all lawyers whenever their matters deserved grant of relief.
The senior advocate recalled instances were Justice Katju had openly insulted a lawyer for his inefficiency, in front of his clients.
Even the top most and richest lawyers of India felt insecure in his court. They never knew when Justice Katju will expose their hypocrisy in open court, in front of other lawyers and in front of their clients.
And yet he was popular in Bar. Why?
According to this senior advocate, the Judge used to give "relief'' to all lawyers whenever their matters deserved grant of relief.
This raises another question, "Do all other judges not grant "relief" to lawyers whenever their matters deserve grant of relief?"
I think answer to this question need not be spelled out.
It is a matter for other judges to introspect.
Haresh Raichura
5th May, 2012
