Chelameswar, CJI share Bench

On his last working day, dissident judge sits with him in court no. 1

VISAKHAPATNAM, ANDHRA PRADESH, 31/03/2018: Justice Jasti Chelameswar, Supreme Court Judge speaking at a function organised Writer's Academy to felicitate Senior journalist and former Editor of many vernacular dailies ABK Prasad on his 62nd year in journalism at a function organised by in Visakhapatnam on March 31, 2018. Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam

Justice J. Chelameswar, the senior most judge of the Supreme Court who had virtually revolted by holding a controversial January 12 presser, on Friday shared the dais with Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra on his last working day.

Justice Chelameswar, who retires on June 22, sat in a Bench headed by the CJI along with Justice D.Y. Chandrachud as it was the last working day before the apex court breaks for the long summer vacation.

It is the custom in the top court that a retiring judge, on his last day, is given the honour of sitting with the CJI in the majestic Court no 1.

Justice Chelameswar, who has been at loggerheads with the CJI over the functioning of the apex court including the allocation of sensitive cases and on recommendation of judges for appointment to the higher judiciary, maintained the tradition of sharing the Bench with the CJI. Earlier there had been speculation among the legal circles that he would not be a part of the Bench. The speculation had gained momentum after he had refused the invite of the Supreme Court Bar Association which was preparing a farewell function for him.

A large number of people, besides lawyers and litigants, thronged the court room in the morning. There was no mentioning in court no 1, which is usually flooded with cases and where 11 matters were listed for Friday.

The Bench sat for a brief period and rose for the day at 11.15 am.

Senior advocate Rajiv Dutta, advocates Prashant Bhushan and Gopal Sankaranarayanan gave short farewell speeches to Justice Chelameswar. Mr. Bhushan thanked Justice Chelameswar for “upholding democracy” and said, “On behalf of the Bar, I would like to say that it was an honour to have appeared before you. Future generations will remember your contribution to democracy and to the country.”

Mr. Dutta thanked the judge for “upholding the ideals of the institution”, while Mr. Sankaranarayanan expressed his gratitude towards him for the grace he had shown towards junior members of the Bar and said this would always be remembered and appreciated. Justice Chelameswar left the courtroom with folded hands.