Defamation: Judge pulls up V K Singh8217;s advocate

The hearing in the defamation case against former Army chief V K Singh and four other Army officials Saturday saw the judge pulling up Singhs lawyer after he asked him to recuse himself from the case.

Do not tell me when I should recuse or not. I can take cognizance8230; Just because I do not say anything or do not put my foot down on the matter,it does not mean you will take me for granted. Do not take advantage of my leniency, Metropolitan Magistrate Jay Thareja told the counsel,adding that he would not be so liberal if the behaviour continued.

Singh,who was last week directed to appear personally before the court,was in the court on Saturday. He filed an application for permanent exemption from appearance.

The court had last week issued warrants against him after his lawyers failed to appear for the hearing. On Saturday,the lawyer claimed that a junior counsel was present. The judge,however,said no one had appeared when the case had been called. The lawyer then asked the judge to recuse himself.