Attempt made to influence: SC judge

NEWDELHI: Justice Indira Banerjee of the Supreme Court took lawyers by surprise on Thursday, disclosing in an open court room that an attempt was recently made to influence her in an ongoing corporate dispute.

Taking a serious view of the incident, Justice Arun Mishra who was sitting with her, sounded a warning that any person attempting to influence judges of the court would attract contempt proceedings.

Justice Banerjee made the disclosure about an unidentified person calling her while hearing a corporate dispute relating to Hotel Royal Plaza.

She discussed the matter with Justice Mishra and offered to withdraw from the case. But, he advised her against it.

Taking strong objection to the incident, Justice Mishra said some people in the Bar had the habit of dropping names of judges and misleading litigants about the outcome of a case. “Any attempt to influence the judges would invite contempt of court action,” Justice Mishra told the court.

Senior advocate Shyam Divan, who was appearing for one of the parties in the case, confirmed the development to Hindustan Times. He said, “Yes, Justice Banerjee revealed the development in the court on Thursday. Thereafter, I requested the judge not to recuse herself from the case as it would have sent a wrong message.”

Justice Banerjee, who hails from Bengal, was earlier this month administered the oath of office as a judge of the Supreme Court. Before her elevation, she was the chief justice of the Madras High Court.