“Lower Your Voice Or I’ll Have You Removed From Court”: CJI Chandrachud Rebukes Lawyer For Aggressive Tone

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud on Wednesday admonished a lawyer for his aggressive tone, cautioning against attempts to “browbeat the court.” Expressing dissatisfaction with the lawyer’s elevated pitch, the CJI remarked that such behaviour had not been witnessed in his 23-year career and would not be tolerated in his final year. He questioned the lawyer’s usual practice and emphasized the need to lower the tone when addressing the top court.

CJI Chandrachud, known for upholding decorum, had previously warned former Supreme Court Bar Association President Vikas Singh about raising his voice. Last October, he took exception to a lawyer talking on a mobile phone during proceedings, instructing court staff to confiscate the device. Chandrachud stressed the importance of maintaining professionalism, stating, “Judges see everything; we may be looking at the papers, but we have eyes everywhere.”

This incident comes as part of a series where the Chief Justice has reminded legal practitioners to uphold courtroom etiquette.