Justice Prathiba Singh of Delhi High Court holds proceedings in standing position to avoid health issues

Lawyers standing and addressing judges, who sit on grand and imposing chairs, is a common sight in courts across India. But courtroom 43 of the Delhi High Court witnessed a unique scene today as Justice Prathiba M Singh conducted the proceedings in standing position. .When lawyers stood up in respect, the court asked them to sit. In response to some of the queries as to why 'her ladyship' was standing, the judge's response was soft and simple."As judges we spend 14-16 hours sitting on chairs. It takes a toll on our health. My doctors have asked me take a break every hour but because that is not possible, I have decided to stand up," Justice Singh explained. She added that many people have developed problems in their back because they keep sitting continuously for hours."We judges are so prone to sitting. But it does create health problems and that's why I have decided to stand up for a few minutes," Justice Singh told the lawyers. .Justice Singh had more than 50 cases listed before her today. She conducted the proceedings standing up from around 12:30 pm to 1:30pm and then in the post-lunch session from around 3:45 pm till 4:25 pm. .Justice Singh is using a special stand to facilitate the proceedings while standing up. The stand can be pulled up or pushed down to adjust to different heights to hold her computer. .Justice Singh may not be the only High Court judge conscious of health when it comes to posture and sitting for hours. While many judges take breaks for a few minutes at regular intervals, some have opted for more comfortable chairs. The Division Bench of Justices Siddharth Mridul and Talwant Singh has started using ergonomic chairs. According to a few officials, many judges are using standing chairs in their chambers as well. .Justice Singh's decision has been welcomed by the lawyers as well. Speaking to Bar & Bench, Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA) President Mohit Mathur said that decisions like these should be accepted and applauded. "The judge was courteous enough to everyone that they didn't need to stand up. Our view is that if the judge is saying she is willing to work standing up, it should be applauded. Our interest is that justice should not suffer. In the end, even judges are humans, and as humans, they can have health issues," Mathur said.