Chief Justice Surya Kant Rejects Junior Lawyers' Adjournment Request, Emphasizes Court Operations

India's Chief Justice Surya Kant firmly rejected a request by junior lawyers to postpone a case on Wednesday, citing the unavailability of senior counsel. The two junior lawyers, representing petitioner and respondent sides, had sought to defer the matter until July 13, after the court's partial functioning period ends. However, Chief Justice Surya Kant, sitting with Justice V. Mohana, dismissed the plea and directed the case to proceed on Thursday.

In a stern rebuke, the Chief Justice articulated that lawyers cannot use salary as an excuse to avoid work. He stated: "You are independent professionals. But the salary we receive—if we do not work, how can we justify it? Tomorrow someone will raise the question that judges are not working and are also enjoying partial working days. Who will be responsible for this?" The remarks underscored the court's expectations that legal professionals fulfill their professional obligations regardless of court schedules.

During the same hearing, another lawyer attempted to cite the court's vacation period as justification for seeking an adjournment. Chief Justice Surya Kant countered this claim directly, clarifying that there are no holidays in effect. He noted that five benches of the court were fully operational on Wednesday and that nine judges, in addition to himself, were actively working. The Chief Justice emphasized that the court continues to function through partial working days rather than being on vacation.

The incident reflects the Supreme Court's strict stance on maintaining judicial operations and professional accountability during the period of reduced court functioning. By rejecting the adjournment request and insisting on proceeding with the case, the court signaled that partial functioning does not diminish the obligation of legal professionals to appear and conduct their work.