Calcutta High Court Emphasizes Judicial Restraint and Urges Respectful Advocacy
In a recent judgment, the Calcutta High Court underscored the significance of judicial restraint and called for advocates to exercise professionalism and respect in court proceedings. The Hon’ble Justice Bibek Chaudhuri, delivering the judgment, stated, “Judicial restraint and discipline are as necessary to the orderly administration of justice as they are to the effectiveness of the army.” The case pertains to a land dispute where an octogenarian petitioner alleged forgery and fraud by the respondents in obtaining his signature on a fabricated document. The court took into consideration the petitioner’s failing health and directed the trial court to expedite the hearing of the complainant’s application under Section 173(8) of the Cr.P.C within one week. Additionally, if necessary, the court ordered the recording of the complainant’s statement under Section 164 of the Cr.P.C within the same timeframe.
This judgment highlights the court’s commitment to upholding the principles of justice while maintaining decorum in the courtroom. It emphasizes the need for judges to be impartial and advocates to conduct themselves respectfully during proceedings. The court’s directive aims to strike a balance between administrative challenges and the humanitarian considerations surrounding the petitioner’s health. By urging respectful advocacy, the court seeks to ensure that litigants receive a fair hearing and that justice is not only done but seen to be done.
The judgment references legal principles from previous cases, including Vishwanathan Vs. Abdul Wahid (1963 Supreme Court 1) and A.M. Mathur V Pramod Kumar Gupta [(1990) 2 SCC 533], further reinforcing the importance of judicial conduct and restraint. This decision serves as a reminder to legal professionals of their duty to maintain the integrity of the judicial process and uphold the rights of litigants.
The Calcutta High Court’s ruling not only addresses the specific case at hand but also sets a precedent for future proceedings, emphasizing the need for mutual respect between judges, advocates, and litigants. By promoting a respectful and dignified courtroom environment, the court aims to foster public confidence in the judicial system and ensure justice is delivered fairly and impartially.
Date of Decision: 12th June, 2023
Atindra Nath Mondal vs The State of West Bengal & Ors.
