In 1995, I used to engage a counsel to argue some of my cases. In one case which was coming up next week, I told the counsel that, “This judge has negative attitude in our case. He is likely to retire this month. Should I circulate a letter seeking four weeks adjournment so that matter will go to another judge?”

He said, “Never even think of it. Never seek adjournment on ground that a judge is going to retire. All judges are equal to us. Our job is to argue our case to the best of our ability”.

He said it with such a conviction, that what he said directly entered in my heart and became one of my lesson.

That counsel who gave me this advice was designated as Senior Advocate by Supreme Court, later he also became Solicitor General of India. His name is Ranjit Kumar.

Later in my career, I saw many advocates who used to get cases adjourned when a negative judge was about to retire.

They may have their justification what they were doing. I cannot blame them.

But I always followed the advice of Ranjit Kumar.

(C) Haresh Raichura 27/6/18 repost 27/6/20

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