CJI conveys displeasure over Allahabad HC judge seeking explanation from Railways on train delay
Says Justice Chowdhary’s letter has led to ‘disquiet within & outside judiciary’.
3 min read
CJI Chandrachud pointed out that an HC judge does not possess disciplinary jurisdiction over Railways personnel. Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud has expressed displeasure over an Allahabad High Court judge seeking an explanation from the Railways about the delay of a train in which the judge, Justice Gautam Chowdhary, travelled recently.
“Protocol ‘facilities’ which are made available to Judges should not be utilised to assert a claim to privilege which sets them apart from society or as a manifestation of power or authority,” CJI Chandrachud wrote to the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court on Wednesday.
He wrote that the communication has given rise to “justifiable disquiet both within and outside the judiciary”.
CJI Chandrachud pointed out that an HC judge does not possess disciplinary jurisdiction over Railways personnel. “Hence, there was no occasion for an officer of the High Court to call for an explanation from the Railway personnel ‘to be placed before His Lordship for kind perusal’.”
The CJI stated in the missive that “self-reflection and counselling within the judiciary is necessary” and that protocol made available to judges should not be used in a manner that brings criticism to the judiciary.
Ashish Srivastava, Registrar (Protocol), Allahabad High Court, declined to comment on the issue and said he did not know anything about the CJI’s letter.
Justice Chowdhary, through a letter issued by the Registrar (Protocol) of the High Court, had sought an explanation from “erring officials” of the Indian Railways and others after Purushottam Express ran late by over three hours on July 8.
Justice Chowdhary, who was travelling in First AC coach of the train, said he did not get “refreshments despite repeated calls” and the Government Railway Police also did not attend to him. The letter, addressed to the general manager of North Central Railway, stated that the incident “caused great inconvenience and displeasure to His Lordship”.
The Railways found that the New Delhi-Prayagraj train was delayed due to the rising water level of the Yamuna in Delhi and the resultant flood situation in the Capital. Moreover, Justice Chowdhary, as per his wishes, had been served tea without sugar, vegetable cutlets, and bread with butter for breakfast at 7.30 am, the Railways noted.
In his letter, the CJI noted, “A wise exercise of judicial authority, both on and off the Bench, is what sustains the credibility and legitimacy of the judiciary and the confidence which society has in its Judges.”
An IRCTC personnel has given to the Railways in writing that Justice Chowdhary was attended to at around 7 am.
“However, in view of the serious lapses in services to Honourable Justice…the pantry car manager has been deboarded with immediate effect,” the IRCTC has informed the Railways.
The IRCTC also informed the Railways that the catering licensee has also been counselled.
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