No lawyer or litigant can be permitted to browbeat the Court or malign the Presiding Officer with a view to get a favourable order. Judges shall not be able to perform their duties freely and fairly if such activities are allowed, and as a result, the administration of justice would suffer, and the Rule of Law would be undermined. This principle is essential to maintaining the integrity of the judicial institution and ensuring public confidence in it.
The credibility of the judiciary rests on the fairness and impartiality of judges at all levels. It is of the utmost importance for the proper administration of justice that judicial powers be exercised impartially and within the bounds of the law. It must always be remembered that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done. This principle was emphasized in the case of M/s. Chetak Construction Ltd Vs. Om Prakash & Others, AIR 1998 SC 1855 (paras 19 & 20).
Judges are obliged to decide cases impartially and without fear or favour. Lawyers and litigants cannot be allowed to terrorize or intimidate judges to secure orders in their favour. This is a basic and fundamental principle, and no civilized system of justice can permit otherwise. A litigant cannot be allowed to choose their forum, and every attempt at “forum shopping” must be crushed with a heavy hand.
At the same time, it is vital to remember that judges must act as impartial referees and decide cases objectively, uninfluenced by any personal bias or prejudice. A judge must not allow their judicial position to be compromised under any circumstances.
