No adjournments, allowing urgent listing: Day 2 of CJI UU Lalit - A reporter's diary

Chief Justice of India (CJI) UU Lalit had made his intentions clear on day 1; how it actually transpired on ground became clearer on day 2. .The CJI had constituted two Constitution benches for hearing 8 cases today. One of those benches was headed by the master of roster himself..Within seconds of assembling, the bench headed by the CJI laid down the parameters that could, henceforth, govern all Constitution bench hearings. Arguments have to be time bound without getting lost in a maze of files so that at least two matters conclude by early October. Lawyers have to adhere to time limit and the Court will try and conclude one Constitution Bench case in a week. This also signals a busy Dussehra for CJI Lalit and his brother judges as the scheduled court vacation may inevitably be spent in writing crucial judgments..One thing that seems to set apart CJI Lalit's court from those of his predecessors is the division of cases, and the time and speed with which matters move.Soon after the Constitution bench hearing wrapped up today, the bench wasted no time to disperse and assemble in a different combination to hear after-notice matters.Though the regular bench rose at 1:16 pm for lunch, but the bench slated to hear miscellaneous matters assembled at 2:03 pm. .Listed mentioning of matters began before the bench but absence of some lawyers irked the CJI. At one point, the CJI himself called out a lawyer's name.“Advocate Balveer Singh… Advocate…. Advocate… Let it be.. Not urgent," said CJI while moving onto other cases..It seemed that the afternoon session would peter out with no 'newsy' cases, but an urgent mentioning at 3.45 pm changed all that. The mentioning was made by Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave in the case relating to Bengaluru Idhag Maidan.This mentioning happened after a division bench referred the case to a 3-judge bench without passing any interim order. Dave, who was appearing on behalf of the petitioners, then rushed to the CJI who promptly constituted a bench and also listed the matter for hearing at 4.30 pm. This was a welcome change since many a time such cases used to be rendered infructuous due to delayed listing. The hearing before that bench went up till 6.20 pm before the Court granted relief to the petitioners. .One thing that could not be missed in court 1 was lawyers with a mile long smile on their faces..One other thing that the CJI made it clear was that unnecessary requests for adjournments would not be allowed..When a lawyer sought adjournment citing logistical reason, the CJI was not impressed.“These matters were notified much earlier and now such requests create a lot of inconvenience. I am really sorry that I cannot accept the request. Please argue the matter in whichever way you can,” he said..The same was the response even to an Additional Solicitor General (ASG) who sought adjournment.In the case on whether mere membership of a banned organisation makes a person a criminal, a counsel for Central government sought a week’s time since ASG SV Raju was not keeping well.CJI Lalit was, however, quick to disallow such a request.“Letter may be circulated but in final hearing matters we do not take cognisance of such letters. If the matter reaches, be ready to argue. Sorry. Thank you,” he said..There is no doubt, this CJI means business.