Madras HC judge does self-appraisal, asks Bar for ideas to improve

In a candid declaration, a Madras High Court judge has sent to the Bar a self-appraisal of his two-year tenure, reflecting on disposal of cases, his judgments, behaviour, and vowing to evolve a mechanism to overcome his shortcomings.

Justice G R Swaminathan, who assumed office on June 28, 2017, said in his report card that he has disposed of 18,944 cases individually and 2,534 cases as part of division benches.

Citing reserved and non-disposed matters, he said he had reserved a number of matters and found it difficult to prepare orders without the benefit of re-hearing.

"But then, I am not supposed to retain the bundles once the cycle is over. Therefore, with heavy heart I am releasing almost 75 cases from my board...

"I, with folded hands convey my apologies to the counsel and to the concerned litigants for not giving disposal to those cases," he told members of the Bar.

The judge also conveyed his apologies to the counsel and litigants for not disposing such cases.

"Henceforth, I shall dictate all the judgments in the open court. This, I think will avoid the situation that I am now facing."
I hope to evolve a mechanism to overcome the shortcomings. When I enter the third year from tomorrow, I do hope to turn a new leaf."
"I can touch my conscience and tell you that I have been very happy with the way each and every one of you you have conducted yourselves before me. My pranams to one and all."