Part 2 of a curated collection of the very best of Master of Verse Raju Z. Moray on Master of the Roster Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. .—.Read Part 1 (Bullish Beginning) here..THE judge and the poet— they share a unique connection. The judge sets the limits of language and the poet tests those limits..Here is an exclusive compilation of select poems by Master of Verse Raju Z. Moray published in The Leaflet concerning Master of the Roster Justice D.Y. Chandrachud..These poems nestle a poetic history of the tenure of the 50th Chief Justice of India (CJI), from the high hopes of his initial days to the many diversions, deviations and disappointments..***.As CJI Chandrachud's tenure progressed, it became clear that he was not the one to take a stand on delays in judicial appointments..Disappointment.(November 24, 2023)."Better late than never"Is small consolationFor those waiting forever.Collegium recommendsGovernment may ignoreOr at times make amends.Without outright rejectionFiles are stalled by "notings"Or some tenuous objection.Many meritorious get sidelinedIf not palatable to the ExecutiveJudiciary is thus undermined.The wait-listed when appointedEnd up losing seniorityAnd are thus very disappointed.This process leaves a bad tasteAnd bears recurring testimonyTo so many efforts going waste.To bring change there is a wayWhich can mitigate a bitThe inherent unfairness of delay.Procrastination in deciding fateShould result in appointmentFrom the recommendation date!.***.His inside court/outside court binary continued when he mentioned in a speech that the legal system should move away from being an 'old boys' club'. Yet, of the 17 Supreme Court judges he appointed, not one was a woman..The Old Boy's Club.(December 03, 2024).Arbitration status quoReceived a good snubWhen Big Chief quippedIt's like an "Old Boys Club"!.Everyone is well awareThat the system is miredIn the monopoly of milordsWho are tired and retired.On every panel one findsThe same wrinkled facesThe well-tried and testedGoing through their paces.Retired judges are busyTheir dates are all bookedOther qualified candidatesGet conveniently overlooked.Even the VP has notedThere is a tight fist gripOn our arbitral systemMilords won't let it slip.Big Chief is being laudedFor his inspiring speechesHe's pushing a vintage carLet's see where it reaches.Predictability is a virtueWhen the stakes are high'Old Boy milords' are preferredI don't have to tell you why!.***.A retiring Justice S.K. Kaul added fuel to the fire by telling Prashant Bhushan that he had not deleted a petition on delay in judicial appointments. The CJI must know, he added..Milord's dilemma.(December 9, 2023).My guns are now rustyYet I would like them to fireBefore ammunition is overAs I am about to retire.I have tried to be compliantAnd kept nodding my assentBut it has taken me nowhereSo it is high time I dissent.The Powers act invincibleBut I'll show them their place!Once I'm through with themThey will have to hide face.Thus I was all set for actionWith velvet glove and iron fistBut more powerful handsHave tampered with my cause-list.Though I wanted to roast themAt least put them in the toasterMy power-supply got disruptedBy the master of my roster!.***.The Bar Council of India asked CJI Chandrachud to declare January 22, 2024, the day of the consecration of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya, as a holiday across courts..Justice Chandrachud (as he was then) was part of the five-judge Bench that had ruled in favour of the Ram Temple trust in a dispute over the land on which Babri Masjid had stood before being illegally demolished. The anonymous judgment held that although there was not enough evidence of a temple having existed at the site, Hindu sentiments were associated with it. Later, CJI Chandrachud would say that he had prayed to god to help him arrive at a decision in the case..Big Council Chief.(January 19, 2024).Our Big Council ChiefLoves to air his viewsLike the other Big ChiefLoves to be in the news!.They know what clicksWhat works just fineHow things fall in placeIf they simply toe the line.The latest show plannedIs installing 'life' in 'God'Non-believers of courseFind such charades odd.But 'the nation' is happyIt doesn't want to knowIt will obey the leadersAnd enjoy the big show.So Big Council ChiefWants black coats to prayAnd for that they mustAll be given a holiday!.He requests Big ChiefFor time off to celebrateAnd thereby get elevatedTo pantheon of the great.Would we be surprisedAfter the clapping is doneIf they decide to changeBlack gowns to saffron?.***.Celebrating the 75th year of the Supreme Court, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched two digital initiatives and a new Supreme Court website for reports from the court to be accessible throughout the country for the "ease of justice"..Diamond jubilee.(February 01, 2024).What's there to be so pleased?Is it a matter of great glee?That our "Supreme Infallible"Celebrates its diamond jubilee?.The Big Boss and the Big ChiefTogether shared a big stageNext day they were conspicuousOn every channel and front page.We've spent 7,000 croresProclaimed the Big BossJust to give the poor accessTo this game of win and loss."An empowered judicial systemIs part of a 'Viksit Bharat'The lid on all colonial practicesMust now be slammed shut".Let the Supreme Court expandAnd open wide its doorsFrom my side, says Big Boss,"Here, take these 800 crores!".Awaken slumbering systemsLet no one now become lazyDigitisation and technologyMust make litigants lives easy..With everything telecast liveBig Boss spoke so much that dayThat our flummoxed Big ChiefWas left with nothing new to say!.***.In his speeches outside the courtroom, CJI Chandrachud frequently exhorted the judiciary to be fearless and underlined the adage of 'bail is the rule, jail is the exception', but his performance as Master of The Roster, where Bela (Trivedi) became the rule in bail applications of human rights defenders and opposition leaders, let the cup slip between the hand and the lip..Justice's door.(March 04, 2024).If some rare trial judgesAre independent and boldMilords don't appreciate them'Don't act too smart' they're told!.The system dulls their initiativeSo they resign to their fateAnd become like the restSurviving from date to date..In any mediocre dispensationStatus quo is considered finePersonnel are left to move freelyBut can never cross the line!.So they all prefer to play safeFearing wrath of Big Brother'If justice needs to be done,Let it be done by some other!'.Complainants then climbTo the next higher floorEngaging eager black coatsTo knock on 'justice's door'..But no one dares to decideEven at that high levelIt's easier to toe the lineThan to wield the gavel!.Gradually cumulative bundlesWith tales of injustice and griefLand at the ornate doorstepOf suave and learned Big Chief.He expresses shock and disbeliefAsks: 'Why does the system fail?Why the first court that heard thisCouldn't grant regular bail?'.'We are a Constitutional CourtHaving so much on our plateAnd you guys are behavingAs if we are ordinary magistrates!'.The subordinate Bar and BenchAlways facing wrath and bruntWish: 'May he stop these lectures,And lead us all from the front!'.***.Sometimes the usually calm CJI Chandrachud lost his temper in court, reprimanding those who tried to 'bully' him or the court..Showing spine .(March 20, 2024).For those used to seeingSupreme milords whineIt was a pleasant surpriseTo see them showing spine!.Out-of-line fat-cat seniorsBeing shredded to bitsHas resulted in those clipsGoing viral with many hits!.Milords made it very clearTo whims they won't pander"What's sauce for the goose,Is sauce for the gander!".So what if it's Bar president?Interference is not coolBar has enough jokersDoesn't need one more fool!.Publicity seekers beware!Stunts do not attemptMilords observing restraintAre well-versed with contempt!.Hailing this newfound daringAll are praising Big ChiefEven an SG used to 'cow-cow'With milords now has a beef!.***.An interesting aspect of CJI Chandrachud's tenure is that both the Right and the Left tried to woo him, like when 600 lawyers on the Right wrote to him about a "vested interest group" trying to put pressure on the judiciary and defame courts..Pot and Kettle!.(March 29, 2024).Lawyers who lost on bondsVersus those who wonAre now in a war wordsThat's silly but much fun!.Bigwigs of some local BarsGot a fatcat to add his nameWhich helped a petty whineGarner international fame!.Their headache is aboutColleagues ready to fightIn every courtroom againstBastions of entrenched might.So they wrote to Big ChiefAs if to give him free tuitionHoping milords will ignoreA book called the Constitution!.This controversy had potentialFor prime lover of primetimeSensing a great opportunityHe has tossed in his dime!.All these worthies explainingWhat others supposedly lackReminds me of a proverbial potWhich called a kettle black!.***.In the later half of his tenure, CJI Chandrachud became increasingly restless for multiple reasons, one of them being advocates commenting on pending cases..Letting out the cats.(April 06, 2024).Big Chief was at it once againLecturing 'officers of the court'And that provided juicy materialFor ubiquitous media to report!.Milords have more or lessResigned to comfortable fateStill they can't help noticingDisturbing tendencies of late.'Respected members of the BarNo doubt have a right to criticizeBut are using this to cut milordsAnd their judgments down to size!'.'You should not behave like this!Be discreet and circumspect.You are not like laypersonsTreat the milords with respect!'.'There is a historical linkBetween Bench and the BarTo preserve our independenceWe can't be perceived at war!'.'The Bar's loyalty mustn't lieWith narrow partisan interestThe courts and ConstitutionShould be its dignified test!".'Aristotle said a human beingIs by nature a political animal.Be ideological, argumentativeBut keep it absolutely minimal!'.'Our shoulders are broad enoughFor all bouquets and brickbats.That doesn't mean you shouldOpen our bags and let out the cats!'.***.One of the major achievements of CJI Chandrachud's tenure is the 'stay on bail jurisprudence', where bail Orders were issued and stayed by the same or higher courts. Another thing that made jail the rule and bail the bhool (mistake)..A matter's fate.(June 25, 2024).When the 'Powers' wantSomeone to stay in jailThey can obtain a stayEven on orders giving bail(Swearing by 'Rule of Law'In injustice we don't fail!).Orders may be faultedFor being too briefOr for being too longFull of surmises or belief(Who'll hear the challengeDepends on the Big Chief!).Choice of the BenchSeals any matter's fateHence Master of Roster'sInfluence is thought great(He can put one milord's mealOn another milord's plate!).Here everything happensIn accordance with lawEveryone is free to enjoyThe judiciary's see-saw(Some just get tap on wristOthers suffer punch on jaw!).***.CJI Chandrachud was never one to shy away from an inauguration and a photo-op. Nothing could change this aspect of his tenure..Things to inaugurate.(July 09, 2024).One way to be countedAmong the truly greatIs to break all recordsOf things to inaugurate.Never miss the chanceTo cut that silk ribbonEven if it comes wrappedAround a new dustbin!.Some may open hallsOr sometimes a gateWhy not open a kitchen?Or inaugurate a plate?.A chair can look majesticEven if unveiled by a foolBut it takes great acumenTo inaugurate a new stool!.Media coverage is longEven though events are briefFor grabbing eyeballsNone can beat the Chief.Posterity shall remember"He was best of the lot.Not simply the washroomsHe also inaugurated a pot!".***.Between all the speeches and inaugurations, the elephant of pendency was forgotten somewhere in the courtroom..Cleaning up!.(August 01, 2024)."What is this big mountain?What is its name my dears?""Sir, it is that magic mountainWhich we have named arrears!".Oh my God, it's that monster!It must forthwith be demolishedTo save our reputation whichMust forever remain polished.Issue circular, list old mattersSummon parties to appearIf nothing or no one has survivedLet's make them all disappear!.A rare lis may still be aliveThough clients and lawyers diedWe shall hear those firstLet none say we never tried!.Find the infructuous casesDig out every tattered fileSend notices to all the AoRsWhether alive, dead or senile.This is a question of our legacyOf saving a system going bustOf Milords who use the broomOn all matters gathering dust.Please don't forget the casesWhich are already 'covered'By case law that was laid longBefore our interns discovered.In that digital future of justiceWhen history is written or seenLet all know what we didTo keep our records clean!.Next: Exposed Ending.Raju Moray writes a regular column for The Leaflet, titled 'Adalat Antics'..If you love the smell of paper along with spicy satire and the ring of laughter, Raju Moray's new book Tales of Law & Laughter is out now.
Part 2 of a curated collection of the very best of Master of Verse Raju Z. Moray on Master of the Roster Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. .—.Read Part 1 (Bullish Beginning) here..THE judge and the poet— they share a unique connection. The judge sets the limits of language and the poet tests those limits..Here is an exclusive compilation of select poems by Master of Verse Raju Z. Moray published in The Leaflet concerning Master of the Roster Justice D.Y. Chandrachud..These poems nestle a poetic history of the tenure of the 50th Chief Justice of India (CJI), from the high hopes of his initial days to the many diversions, deviations and disappointments..***.As CJI Chandrachud's tenure progressed, it became clear that he was not the one to take a stand on delays in judicial appointments..Disappointment.(November 24, 2023)."Better late than never"Is small consolationFor those waiting forever.Collegium recommendsGovernment may ignoreOr at times make amends.Without outright rejectionFiles are stalled by "notings"Or some tenuous objection.Many meritorious get sidelinedIf not palatable to the ExecutiveJudiciary is thus undermined.The wait-listed when appointedEnd up losing seniorityAnd are thus very disappointed.This process leaves a bad tasteAnd bears recurring testimonyTo so many efforts going waste.To bring change there is a wayWhich can mitigate a bitThe inherent unfairness of delay.Procrastination in deciding fateShould result in appointmentFrom the recommendation date!.***.His inside court/outside court binary continued when he mentioned in a speech that the legal system should move away from being an 'old boys' club'. Yet, of the 17 Supreme Court judges he appointed, not one was a woman..The Old Boy's Club.(December 03, 2024).Arbitration status quoReceived a good snubWhen Big Chief quippedIt's like an "Old Boys Club"!.Everyone is well awareThat the system is miredIn the monopoly of milordsWho are tired and retired.On every panel one findsThe same wrinkled facesThe well-tried and testedGoing through their paces.Retired judges are busyTheir dates are all bookedOther qualified candidatesGet conveniently overlooked.Even the VP has notedThere is a tight fist gripOn our arbitral systemMilords won't let it slip.Big Chief is being laudedFor his inspiring speechesHe's pushing a vintage carLet's see where it reaches.Predictability is a virtueWhen the stakes are high'Old Boy milords' are preferredI don't have to tell you why!.***.A retiring Justice S.K. Kaul added fuel to the fire by telling Prashant Bhushan that he had not deleted a petition on delay in judicial appointments. The CJI must know, he added..Milord's dilemma.(December 9, 2023).My guns are now rustyYet I would like them to fireBefore ammunition is overAs I am about to retire.I have tried to be compliantAnd kept nodding my assentBut it has taken me nowhereSo it is high time I dissent.The Powers act invincibleBut I'll show them their place!Once I'm through with themThey will have to hide face.Thus I was all set for actionWith velvet glove and iron fistBut more powerful handsHave tampered with my cause-list.Though I wanted to roast themAt least put them in the toasterMy power-supply got disruptedBy the master of my roster!.***.The Bar Council of India asked CJI Chandrachud to declare January 22, 2024, the day of the consecration of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya, as a holiday across courts..Justice Chandrachud (as he was then) was part of the five-judge Bench that had ruled in favour of the Ram Temple trust in a dispute over the land on which Babri Masjid had stood before being illegally demolished. The anonymous judgment held that although there was not enough evidence of a temple having existed at the site, Hindu sentiments were associated with it. Later, CJI Chandrachud would say that he had prayed to god to help him arrive at a decision in the case..Big Council Chief.(January 19, 2024).Our Big Council ChiefLoves to air his viewsLike the other Big ChiefLoves to be in the news!.They know what clicksWhat works just fineHow things fall in placeIf they simply toe the line.The latest show plannedIs installing 'life' in 'God'Non-believers of courseFind such charades odd.But 'the nation' is happyIt doesn't want to knowIt will obey the leadersAnd enjoy the big show.So Big Council ChiefWants black coats to prayAnd for that they mustAll be given a holiday!.He requests Big ChiefFor time off to celebrateAnd thereby get elevatedTo pantheon of the great.Would we be surprisedAfter the clapping is doneIf they decide to changeBlack gowns to saffron?.***.Celebrating the 75th year of the Supreme Court, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched two digital initiatives and a new Supreme Court website for reports from the court to be accessible throughout the country for the "ease of justice"..Diamond jubilee.(February 01, 2024).What's there to be so pleased?Is it a matter of great glee?That our "Supreme Infallible"Celebrates its diamond jubilee?.The Big Boss and the Big ChiefTogether shared a big stageNext day they were conspicuousOn every channel and front page.We've spent 7,000 croresProclaimed the Big BossJust to give the poor accessTo this game of win and loss."An empowered judicial systemIs part of a 'Viksit Bharat'The lid on all colonial practicesMust now be slammed shut".Let the Supreme Court expandAnd open wide its doorsFrom my side, says Big Boss,"Here, take these 800 crores!".Awaken slumbering systemsLet no one now become lazyDigitisation and technologyMust make litigants lives easy..With everything telecast liveBig Boss spoke so much that dayThat our flummoxed Big ChiefWas left with nothing new to say!.***.In his speeches outside the courtroom, CJI Chandrachud frequently exhorted the judiciary to be fearless and underlined the adage of 'bail is the rule, jail is the exception', but his performance as Master of The Roster, where Bela (Trivedi) became the rule in bail applications of human rights defenders and opposition leaders, let the cup slip between the hand and the lip..Justice's door.(March 04, 2024).If some rare trial judgesAre independent and boldMilords don't appreciate them'Don't act too smart' they're told!.The system dulls their initiativeSo they resign to their fateAnd become like the restSurviving from date to date..In any mediocre dispensationStatus quo is considered finePersonnel are left to move freelyBut can never cross the line!.So they all prefer to play safeFearing wrath of Big Brother'If justice needs to be done,Let it be done by some other!'.Complainants then climbTo the next higher floorEngaging eager black coatsTo knock on 'justice's door'..But no one dares to decideEven at that high levelIt's easier to toe the lineThan to wield the gavel!.Gradually cumulative bundlesWith tales of injustice and griefLand at the ornate doorstepOf suave and learned Big Chief.He expresses shock and disbeliefAsks: 'Why does the system fail?Why the first court that heard thisCouldn't grant regular bail?'.'We are a Constitutional CourtHaving so much on our plateAnd you guys are behavingAs if we are ordinary magistrates!'.The subordinate Bar and BenchAlways facing wrath and bruntWish: 'May he stop these lectures,And lead us all from the front!'.***.Sometimes the usually calm CJI Chandrachud lost his temper in court, reprimanding those who tried to 'bully' him or the court..Showing spine .(March 20, 2024).For those used to seeingSupreme milords whineIt was a pleasant surpriseTo see them showing spine!.Out-of-line fat-cat seniorsBeing shredded to bitsHas resulted in those clipsGoing viral with many hits!.Milords made it very clearTo whims they won't pander"What's sauce for the goose,Is sauce for the gander!".So what if it's Bar president?Interference is not coolBar has enough jokersDoesn't need one more fool!.Publicity seekers beware!Stunts do not attemptMilords observing restraintAre well-versed with contempt!.Hailing this newfound daringAll are praising Big ChiefEven an SG used to 'cow-cow'With milords now has a beef!.***.An interesting aspect of CJI Chandrachud's tenure is that both the Right and the Left tried to woo him, like when 600 lawyers on the Right wrote to him about a "vested interest group" trying to put pressure on the judiciary and defame courts..Pot and Kettle!.(March 29, 2024).Lawyers who lost on bondsVersus those who wonAre now in a war wordsThat's silly but much fun!.Bigwigs of some local BarsGot a fatcat to add his nameWhich helped a petty whineGarner international fame!.Their headache is aboutColleagues ready to fightIn every courtroom againstBastions of entrenched might.So they wrote to Big ChiefAs if to give him free tuitionHoping milords will ignoreA book called the Constitution!.This controversy had potentialFor prime lover of primetimeSensing a great opportunityHe has tossed in his dime!.All these worthies explainingWhat others supposedly lackReminds me of a proverbial potWhich called a kettle black!.***.In the later half of his tenure, CJI Chandrachud became increasingly restless for multiple reasons, one of them being advocates commenting on pending cases..Letting out the cats.(April 06, 2024).Big Chief was at it once againLecturing 'officers of the court'And that provided juicy materialFor ubiquitous media to report!.Milords have more or lessResigned to comfortable fateStill they can't help noticingDisturbing tendencies of late.'Respected members of the BarNo doubt have a right to criticizeBut are using this to cut milordsAnd their judgments down to size!'.'You should not behave like this!Be discreet and circumspect.You are not like laypersonsTreat the milords with respect!'.'There is a historical linkBetween Bench and the BarTo preserve our independenceWe can't be perceived at war!'.'The Bar's loyalty mustn't lieWith narrow partisan interestThe courts and ConstitutionShould be its dignified test!".'Aristotle said a human beingIs by nature a political animal.Be ideological, argumentativeBut keep it absolutely minimal!'.'Our shoulders are broad enoughFor all bouquets and brickbats.That doesn't mean you shouldOpen our bags and let out the cats!'.***.One of the major achievements of CJI Chandrachud's tenure is the 'stay on bail jurisprudence', where bail Orders were issued and stayed by the same or higher courts. Another thing that made jail the rule and bail the bhool (mistake)..A matter's fate.(June 25, 2024).When the 'Powers' wantSomeone to stay in jailThey can obtain a stayEven on orders giving bail(Swearing by 'Rule of Law'In injustice we don't fail!).Orders may be faultedFor being too briefOr for being too longFull of surmises or belief(Who'll hear the challengeDepends on the Big Chief!).Choice of the BenchSeals any matter's fateHence Master of Roster'sInfluence is thought great(He can put one milord's mealOn another milord's plate!).Here everything happensIn accordance with lawEveryone is free to enjoyThe judiciary's see-saw(Some just get tap on wristOthers suffer punch on jaw!).***.CJI Chandrachud was never one to shy away from an inauguration and a photo-op. Nothing could change this aspect of his tenure..Things to inaugurate.(July 09, 2024).One way to be countedAmong the truly greatIs to break all recordsOf things to inaugurate.Never miss the chanceTo cut that silk ribbonEven if it comes wrappedAround a new dustbin!.Some may open hallsOr sometimes a gateWhy not open a kitchen?Or inaugurate a plate?.A chair can look majesticEven if unveiled by a foolBut it takes great acumenTo inaugurate a new stool!.Media coverage is longEven though events are briefFor grabbing eyeballsNone can beat the Chief.Posterity shall remember"He was best of the lot.Not simply the washroomsHe also inaugurated a pot!".***.Between all the speeches and inaugurations, the elephant of pendency was forgotten somewhere in the courtroom..Cleaning up!.(August 01, 2024)."What is this big mountain?What is its name my dears?""Sir, it is that magic mountainWhich we have named arrears!".Oh my God, it's that monster!It must forthwith be demolishedTo save our reputation whichMust forever remain polished.Issue circular, list old mattersSummon parties to appearIf nothing or no one has survivedLet's make them all disappear!.A rare lis may still be aliveThough clients and lawyers diedWe shall hear those firstLet none say we never tried!.Find the infructuous casesDig out every tattered fileSend notices to all the AoRsWhether alive, dead or senile.This is a question of our legacyOf saving a system going bustOf Milords who use the broomOn all matters gathering dust.Please don't forget the casesWhich are already 'covered'By case law that was laid longBefore our interns discovered.In that digital future of justiceWhen history is written or seenLet all know what we didTo keep our records clean!.Next: Exposed Ending.Raju Moray writes a regular column for The Leaflet, titled 'Adalat Antics'..If you love the smell of paper along with spicy satire and the ring of laughter, Raju Moray's new book Tales of Law & Laughter is out now.
