Senior advocate and DMK MP P Wilson earned the wrath of the judges of the Madras High Court after he sought the recusal of one of the judges from a batch of cases.
His request was based on the fact that the Judge had previously admitted a Writ Petition and issued interim orders in some Writ Appeals.
The matter involved Writ Petitions related to Group II A appointments under the Ex-Serviceman Category. Despite Wilson’s repeated apologies and requests to be heard, the Bench comprising Justice R. Subramanian and Justice L. Victoria Gowri recused themselves and directed the case to be referred to the Chief Justice for reassignment to another bench.
During the proceedings on September 26, the Bench expressed their displeasure with Wilson’s submission, stating that it was “preposterous” to request a recusal merely because a judge had passed interim orders. They ordered the matter before the Chief Justice for potential action against the Senior Counsel.
Wilson attempted to smooth things over, but Justice Subramanian remarked that his behaviour was unacceptable, saying, “Do all these gimmicks in Parliament, not before us.”
“Senior Counsel appearing for TNPSC makes an irresponsible statement before the Court and seeks recusal of one of us on the ground that the judge has entertained the Writ Petition and granted an interim order. This, according to us, is demeaning this Court and highly disrespectful. Hence, we don’t propose to hear about this case. We direct the Registry to place this matter before the Hon’ble Chief Justice for suitable orders“, the bench dictated.
“One minute my lord. Your lordship should pardon me, my lord. As an officer of this Court….“, pleaded Senior Advocate Wilson. Justice Subramanian replied, “I am very sorry. I never expected that you guys would stoop to such levels. I never expected this from you particularly. I am so sorry, Mr. Wilson. You don’t behave like an officer of the Court. I am so sorry“.
Justice Subramanian further admonished Wilson, emphasizing that the Court admits many cases daily and that merely granting an interim order should not be grounds for objection.
“We admit so many cases every day. We take them up for final hearing. What is wrong?” Justice Subramanian asked, to which DMK MP Wilson replied, “Your Lordship should pardon me, my lord”.
Justice Subramanian further said, “You guys think you can do anything. Try your tricks elsewhere. Not before me. I am very sorry” to which Wilson sought pardon.
“You need not seek our pardon, sir; you are bigger than us,” Justice Subramanian said to Wilson, who then said that he was ready to argue.
He also criticized the instructing counsel for advising Wilson in such a manner, calling it inappropriate court conduct. The case was ultimately adjourned, with instructions for it to be posted before another judge for further proceedings.
In response to this issue, the Bar Associations of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and the Madras High Court Advocates Association have submitted a complaint to both the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the Madras High Court.
In their complaint, they alleged that Senior Judge R Subramanian used disrespectful language towards a senior advocate and other lawyers during a Madurai High Court session. They further claimed that this judge frequently uses such language toward advocates and litigants. Since recording and publishing court proceedings is prohibited, they requested that the information technology registrar investigate how videos of this session were leaked.
The associations expressed concern over the public perception of the judiciary, stating that incidents like these could damage the reputation of the Madras High Court. They questioned why lawyers should compromise their self-respect and dignity while practising in court.
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