Recently, a sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) in Varanasi held court proceedings from his official vehicle after being obstructed by protesting lawyers. The court emphasised that despite disruptions, legal processes must continue uninterrupted to ensure justice. The incident highlighted the SDM’s resourcefulness in managing administrative challenges.
The matter unfolded when a lawyer submitted an application seeking an order. The SDM, Rajatalab, trainee IAS officer Ashrith Shakamuri, noted that the report attached to the application was outdated. Consequently, he adjourned the matter, directing the submission of a fresh report. This decision sparked an argument between the SDM and the lawyer. The situation escalated as several lawyers supported the protest, blocking the court’s gate and preventing the entry of other lawyers and petitioners.
The protesting lawyers argued that the SDM’s decision to adjourn the matter without immediate action was unwarranted. They insisted on a more flexible approach to administrative processes. Conversely, the SDM stated that the outdated report rendered immediate adjudication impossible and emphasized the need for updated documentation to proceed with fairness.
The SDM, exercising discretion under challenging circumstances, observed, “After I issued the next date for hearing, the lawyer threatened he would not allow the court to run.” The Court remarked that maintaining decorum and continuity in legal proceedings is paramount. Shakamuri noted, “I decided to hold court proceedings from my official vehicle, and announcements were made on a loudspeaker installed in the vehicle to call the petitioners.”
For over an hour, proceedings continued from the SDM’s vehicle parked in the office portico. Petitioners’ names were called out by the orderly, and statements were recorded, ensuring that justice was not delayed due to disruptions. The SDM later returned to his chamber following assurances of cooperation from senior lawyers.
The Court proceedings resumed in the SDM’s chamber after the lawyers assured their cooperation. The SDM’s decision to adapt to the situation underlined the importance of administrative resilience and efficiency in addressing disruptions while upholding justice.
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