Gujarat High Court Judge Apologizes After Heated Exchange in Open Court
A senior judge of the Gujarat High Court has issued an apology to his colleague after a heated exchange took place between them during a court session. Justice Biren Vaishnav expressed remorse for the incident that occurred on Monday when he snapped at Justice Mauna Bhatt following a disagreement over a matter.
The video of the altercation was initially posted on the official YouTube page of the Gujarat High Court but has since been removed. However, a purported video of the incident has been circulating on social media. In the video, Justice Bhatt can be seen murmuring something to Justice Vaishnav while he was passing an order. This led to Justice Vaishnav reacting by saying, Then do not murmur, you pass a separate order. We are not taking other matters, before leaving the courtroom.
Addressing the issue at the start of a new court session, Justice Vaishnav acknowledged his mistake and apologized to Justice Bhatt in front of the entire division bench. What happened on Monday shouldn’t have happened. I was wrong. I am sorry for that, and we begin a new session, he stated.
The incident occurred on October 23, but the court was closed the following day for the Dussehra festival. This delay allowed Justice Vaishnav time to reflect on his actions and offer a sincere apology to his colleague. It is important to maintain professionalism and respect in open court settings, and Justice Vaishnav’s apology demonstrates his commitment to rectify any lapse in conduct.
While disagreements may arise during court proceedings, it is essential for judges to uphold the integrity and decorum of the judicial system. The apology extended by Justice Vaishnav is a step in the right direction towards fostering a healthy and respectful working environment within the Gujarat High Court.
The incident has sparked discussions and raised questions about the dynamics and expectations between judges in the courtroom. It is crucial to ensure that disagreements are handled in a professional and respectful manner, upholding the dignity of the judiciary while maintaining a fair and transparent legal process.
As the video of the incident continues to circulate on social media, it serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining composure and professionalism, even in intense situations. The judiciary plays a vital role in upholding justice and public confidence in the legal system, and incidents like these highlight the need for continuous self-reflection and improvement.
In conclusion, the apology offered by Justice Biren Vaishnav to his colleague, Justice Mauna Bhatt, demonstrates a commitment to resolve conflicts within the Gujarat High Court. It is crucial to foster an atmosphere of respect and professionalism in the judicial system to uphold the integrity and values of justice. By acknowledging his mistake and seeking amends, Justice Vaishnav sets a positive example for others in the legal profession.
