Show patience, encouragement towards young lawyers: SC tells judges after Andhra Pradesh HC courtroom controversy

The Supreme Court on Monday urged the judges, at all levels, across the country to show patience, compassion and a spirit of encouragement towards young lawyers, observing that fresh law graduates should be motivated to join the Bar, particularly at the trial court level.

A Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi made the observations while dealing with the controversy arising out of a recent courtroom exchange before the Andhra Pradesh High Court involving Justice Tarlada Rajasekhar Rao and a young advocate.

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The top court stressed that the quality and strength of the judiciary at every level ultimately depends upon the continuous nurturing of the Bar. It observed that while senior lawyers have a responsibility to instil discipline, ethics and professional values among junior members, the Bench too carries an equally important obligation to foster confidence, integrity and a sense of belonging among young advocates entering the profession.

The Court also underlined the need for institutional mechanisms to address friction between judges and lawyers and suggested the creation of grievance redressal committees in High Courts and subordinate courts to ensure that such issues are resolved amicably and in a timely manner.

The controversy had erupted following proceedings before the Andhra Pradesh High Court on May 5 during the hearing of a plea challenging a Look Out Circular and the impounding of a passport. During the hearing, Justice Rao had sharply rebuked a young advocate appearing in the matter and questioned whether he considered himself a “great Senior Advocate.”

A video clip of the exchange later circulated widely on social media, drawing criticism from sections of the legal fraternity and concerns from younger members of the Bar.

The Supreme Court took note of the issue on the judicial side after concerns were raised by bar bodies, including the Supreme Court Bar Association and the Bar Council of India.

The BCI, in its communication to the Chief Justice of India, expressed concern over judicial temperament, proportionality and fairness, stating that such incidents could have a chilling effect on young advocates.

During the hearing on Monday, the apex court said that it had called for a report from the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The report by the Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court Justice Lisa Gill explained the circumstances in which the remarks were made and stated that the viral video clip did not reflect the complete context of the proceedings.

It also informed the Court that the matter had been resolved to the satisfaction of the High Court Bar Association and that a committee of judges had been constituted to maintain cordial relations between the Bench and the Bar.

Taking note of the report, the Supreme Court said the incident did not warrant any further action at its end.