"We are also human beings; I will take back personal comments:" Justice SS Shinde to NIA on remarks made while hearing Father Stan Swamy case

Justice SS Shinde of Bombay High Court said in open court on Friday that he is ready to withdraw his personal remark made during an earlier hearing in light of the sudden death of the Bhima Koregaon accused Stan Swamy after it was pointed out the comment was being "twisted" in the media creating a negative perception against the National Investigation Agency (NIA)..Additional Solicitor General Anil Singh raised this grievance before the Bench also consisting of Justice NJ Jamadar during the hearing of Swamy's bail appeals challenging the orders of the Special NIA Court refusing him bail..Justice Shinde while hearing the case on July 19, had told counsel for NIA, that while lawyers argue the matter and leave, courts bear the brunt of criticism for such delays."You will argue the matter and leave. But we have to answer. For how many years without trial can people be asked to languish in jails? Speedy trial is a fundamental right."Justice Shinde also spoke about Swamy's work and how he appreciated his service to the society."We have every respect for his work in the society. Whatever is happening legally is another matter, but we have huge respect for his service to the society.".The ASG submitted that after the personal comments were made by Justice Shinde in open court, it was widely reported in the media and on social media in a 'twisted' manner. Due to such reporting, which was ongoing for over a week, a negative perception has been created against NIA, he said.This, he claimed, was affecting the morale of NIA officers. ."We have huge respect for his service to society, conceded to every request; never anticipated this (death):" Bombay High Court on Stan Swamy.To this, Justice Shinde stated that no personal comments were made against any lawyers or agency. As for the alleged comments on the "activity (Swamy's activities) in the matter", Justice Shinde clarified that "as far as legal issues were concerned and the provision of UAPA" no comments were made on those. .Justice Shinde went a step ahead to say, that if his comments hurt the ASG, then he is willing to take it back.Whenever something happens out of the blue, judges being humans react to such news, Justice Shinde told the ASG referring to the sudden passing of Stan Swamy."I will take it back whatever I said personally. We are also human beings.. whenever something like this (Swamy's death) happens. We have never made any comments against PP or ASG.. you appear before us everyday." .Justice Shinde also emphasised that he appreciated ASG's conduct in court and "admired the fact that he never got attached to any case"..During the hearing, Senior Advocate Mihir Desai appearing for Swamy sought certain directions from the Court in connection to the investigation to be conducted by the Magistrate into the custodial death of Swamy. He also sought report to be submitted to the High Court which was vehemently opposed by the NIA. .The Court posted the case for further hearing on August 4, 2021.