'What is 'Yeah'? This is Not a Coffee Shop!': CJI Chandrachud Rebukes Lawyer During SC Hearing

New Delhi: Stressing on the decorum expected in the judiciary, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Monday rebuked a lawyer for using the informal term ‘yeah’ while addressing the Supreme Court. 

Chief Justice Chandrachud remarked, “I am very allergic to this ‘yeah yeah’. This cannot be allowed,” stating that the courtroom is not a casual setting like a coffee shop.

The CJI's remarks came during a hearing involving a 2018 petition where the lawyer had unusually named the former Chief Justice of India, Justice Ranjan Gogoi, as a respondent. 

CJI Chandrachud questioned the appropriateness of the petition, underlining concerns about its alignment with Article 32 of the Constitution, which allows citizens to seek remedies for the violation of their fundamental rights.

As the discussion went on, the lawyer’s use of colloquial language seemed to distract from the gravity of his arguments, which prompted a pointed correction from the Chief Justice. “This is not a coffee shop! What is this ‘yeah yeah’?” said Chief Justice Chandrachud, emphasising the need of use of formal language in legal proceedings. 

The lawyer tried to defend his legal stance by referring to past decisions and actions by Justice Gogoi, who is now a Rajya Sabha MP. However, Chief Justice Chandrachud suggested him against impugning a judge in such a manner and directed that Justice Gogoi’s name be dropped from the petition.