Law and 'Ass'

Cartoonist Aseem Trivedi wanted to implead himself in the Public Interest Litigation against Section 66A filed in the Supreme Court because he had a case pending in Mumbai under that section. Chief Justice Altamas Kabir decided to allow his impleadment. While passing the necessary directions, he found the petitioner’s name was spelt “Assem” in the petition. “So it’s A, double S, not A-S-double E?” he asked Trivedi’s lawyer. The lawyer said whatever was in the petition was right. The judge was not convinced. “Are you sure?” he said. Now, the lawyer became a little unsure. “Whatever is in the affidavit is right,” he said. The judge looked for the affidavit and found that it spelt the name “Aseem”. Now, the lawyer became apologetic — “Sorry sir, it was my mistake.” The judge shot back, “Which is the mistake — Ass or Asee? Make up your mind,” leaving the court hall in splits. The lawyer finally decided against the “Ass” and directions were passed.