High Court Judges don’t adhere to working hours : SC Judge B R Gavai

Kolkata (Bengal) – “The Courts start at 10:30 a.m. but a few judges start the proceedings at 11:30 a.m. and take a break at 12:30 p.m., although the morning working hours are till 1:30 p.m. A few judges don’t even attend the second half of the working day. This is surprising,” stated Supreme Court Justice B R Gavai while expressing his concern over the punctuality of a few High Court judges. He was addressing a seminar held by the National Judicial Academy at Kolkata.

High Court Judges should not canvass for elevation to Supreme Court

Regarding promotion of judges, Justice Gavai stated that the collegium of members takes decision on elevation of judges on the basis of a database that contains information on all candidates who are due to be considered for promotion. In addition to it, the collegium members receive inputs from different sources including consultee judges – sitting Supreme Court Judges who belong to the concerned High Court from where the candidate is being considered. Therefore, canvassing by judges for elevation to the Apex Court is injurious to the principle of discipline that needs to be maintained.

Judges treat lawyers with disrespect

Justice Gavai said that the lawyers are not treated with dignity they deserve and are often humiliated.

Do not call senior Government officers to the Courts

Justice Gavai also stated that the practice of calling senior Government officers to the Courts should be stopped. A few judges feel good to call senior Government officers to their Court and issue such notices without due consideration. They should realise that the Government officers have to discharge their duties. Unless their behaviour demands, such notices should be avoided.

Influence of social media

Anything said in a Court becomes viral within no time in this age of social media. Our words are twisted and misrepresented that also creates pressure on the judicial system.

Courts ought to play a pivotal role in resolving Union-State disputes

Justice Gavai added that whenever there is a dispute between the Union and State Government, the Court should evaluate the jurisdiction of both these Governments and take decision to resolve the dispute.