Ganesan, District Judge (Retd.) – Comments on Judicial Conduct* _Sekar Reporter post + YouTube link | May 17, 2026_
[17/05, 10:06] sekarreporter1: https://youtu.be/LBmtWcU8GpM?si=FNIViNQRtVawpEpV
[17/05, 10:22] sekarreporter1: *R. Ganesan, District Judge (Retd.) – Comments on Judicial Conduct*
_Sekar Reporter post + YouTube link | May 17, 2026_
### *1. Core argument by R. Ganesan, Retd. District Judge*
_“It is not uncommon in India that judicial officers from the lowest rank to the highest institution of CJI thinking themselves that the power vested to sit in an elevated position than that of a lawyer or a litigant is meant to disgrace or treat the advocates to offend them or use harsh or undignified and inappropriate language or gesticulations.”_
*Key points*:
1. *Misuse of elevated position*: The “elevated position to the judges in a court of law” is _not_ to disgrace advocates/litigants. It’s to _“authorise them”_ to decide cases fairly.
2. *Judicial decorum*: Judges from trial courts to CJI level sometimes use _“harsh or undignified and inappropriate language or gesticulations”_ against lawyers.
3. *Power vs Dignity*: The bench’s height is functional, not a license to offend. Judicial power must come with restraint and respect for the Bar.
### *2. Context – recent trigger*
This comment comes after CJI Surya Kant’s May 15 “cockroaches/parasites” remarks during a hearing, which he clarified on May 16 saying he only meant _“those with fake and bogus degrees”_, not youth in general.
Retd. Judge Ganesan’s post reflects a broader concern in the legal fraternity about _“judicial arrogance”_ and courtroom conduct.
### *3. Related judicial conduct issues flagged earlier by Ganesan*
From other Sekar Reporter posts by him:
1. *Returns & numbering*: Criticized court staff mechanically writing _“Partition return, how this petition is maintainable”_ instead of judicial application of mind. Cited Justice Seshashayee’s 58-page _“treatise on returns and numbering”_ that district judiciary still doesn’t follow.
2. *Family Courts Act*: Earlier post noted Sec 13 FCA bars lawyers as of right, but _“no judge in family court used to refuse”_ appointment of counsel – making restricted entry _“a wind”_.
### *4. Broader debate*
1. *Bar-Bench relations*: TN lawyers have protested courtroom remarks. Madras HC in Dec 2024 urged advocates _“should never misguide parties… play neutral role”_ in matrimonial cases.
2. *Collegium/elevations*: 8 district judges moved SC in 2019 alleging collegium didn’t consider them for HC elevation despite seniority.
*Bottom line*: Retd. DJ R. Ganesan is calling out what he sees as a pattern – judges mistaking the _“elevated seat”_ for a license to use undignified language against lawyers. He stresses the bench’s elevation is for function, not for disgracing the Bar.
Want the full text of his Sekar Reporter post or Justice Seshashayee’s guidelines on returns he referred to?
