Cute Chief-Cane in Hand: CJI Writes to CJs of High Coutrs, ‘Protocols are Not Privileges’

Chief Justice of India Justice DY Chandrachud said that protocol facilities of judges are not privileges. These facilities should not be used in such a way that it causes inconvenience to others or criticizes the judiciary. Objecting to a judge of the Allahabad High Court seeking an explanation from the Railways on the inconvenience caused during his train journey, the CJI said this in a letter to all the Chief Justices of the High Courts of the country.

Citing a letter dated July 14 written by the Registrar (Protocol) of the Allahabad High Court to the GM, North Central Railway, the CJI said, “The incident has caused uneasiness within and outside the judiciary.” However, to save the High Court from further embarrassment, the CJI has not mentioned the name of the concerned judge in his letter. The letter only states that it is beyond the jurisdiction of a High Court judge to take disciplinary action against railway personnel. The CJI wrote, the High Court officer was not required to seek clarification from the railway personnel.

The CJI has said in the letter that the protocol facility given to the judges should not be considered a privilege. Judicial authorities, whether on the bench or not, should use their powers judiciously. The CJI said, I am writing to all the Chief Justices of all the High Courts to share this concern of mine with all their colleagues. Introspection and consultation within the judiciary is necessary.

On July 8, a judge of the Allahabad High Court was on a journey from New Delhi to Prayagraj. During this, he had asked the registrar of the High Court to seek an explanation from the Railways for not getting proper service in the pantry car and not being able to speak to the pantry manager despite repeated attempts.