Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud sternly condemned a lawyer for illegally inquiring with a Court Master about the contents of an order.

According to the counsel appearing before the CJI, a few observations that were made in open court during an arbitration matter were not included in the final draft of the order. In response to the CJI's question about how he learnt about the contents of the order, the counsel admitted that he had contacted the Court Master.

This admission prompted an immediate and sharp response from the CJI, who voiced his strong disapproval:

"How dare you ask the court master what I dictated in the court? Tomorrow you will come to my house and ask the PS what I am dictating in my chamber? Lawyers have lost all sense of decency or what? The final order is the one which we sign."

Upon reviewing the final order, the CJI clarified the order that an arbitrator had indeed been appointed and confirmed that all rights and contentions of the parties involved would be left for the arbitrator to decide.

The lawyer, however, continued to request that the issue of limitation be explicitly included in the order for the arbitrator's consideration.

Expressing further displeasure at this request, the CJI sternly warned the counsel:

"Don't try these funny tricks again. I don't have a very long time around on the bench, but until the last day I am in charge, don't try this—going to my secretary and stenographer!"

(For more updates, tap to join us on Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn)