Rajiv Shakdher J unveils new MBA website, talks about Humour in the Courtroom

Offering respite from the sobreity that tends to characterise the courtroom, Justice Rajiv Shakdher of the Madras High Court gave a talk on Humour in the Courtroom today, in an event organised by the Madras Bar Association (MBA)..Justice Shakdher, who is also the Chairman of the eCourt Committee of the High Court, was present to unveil the revamped MBA website, which now also provides details of the minutes of Bar Association meetings..Amidst the seriousness that builds up as arguments reach their peak in court, “a little bit of humour is always welcome”, remarked Senior Advocate and President of the Madras Bar Association, Vijay Narayan, before the stage was yielded to Justice Shakdher..The learned judge admitted that he was not fond of giving speeches to a captive audience, but rather hoped to have an interactive conversation on the topic. That being said, he recounted a number of personal anecdotes..He said that embarrassing situations appear humourous in hindsight, and often offer valuable lessons to learn. During his early days as a junior, the judge remembered having been sent to request for adjournment of a matter before a judge known to generally frown upon such requests. When asked brusquely for the reason for adjournment, the only answer he had to offer at the time was,.“Because I was asked to.”.The judge also remarked that much humour is found inherently in the colourful personalities which form part of the Bench and the Bar. He remembered having sat with a judge known particularly for being ‘proper‘ in his demeanour..When an arguing advocate directed the learned judges to a footnote where they would find a ‘star’ indicating the year in which a particular provision was inserted, the proper brother judge was quick to retort,.“the only stars I see are in the evening…This is an asterisk.“ .The judge drew attention to the need to maintain the fraternal spirit of the legal community. He emphasised that there is nothing personal in what is conveyed by judges. While there may be friction at times in the heat of argument, there should also be maturity to resolve issues. There is little that cannot be overcome with a smile or a gentle remark..The judge concluded the session by hoping that more similar ‘conversations’ are organised from time to time, which will serve to bring the members of the legal community closer..He also suggested that a record of interesting anecdotes be maintained, so that future generations may also be regaled by the humour that marks the courtroom..Image courtesy: Frontline