Challenging Tradition, Senior advocate lawyers often address judges as “My Lord” or “Your Lordships” during court proceedings. This practice, some critics argue, harkens back to colonial times and represents a symbol of slavery.
Justice Narasimha’s Dissatisfaction” Supreme Court Justice P S Narasimha expressed his dissatisfaction with lawyers who consistently referred to him as ‘My Lord’ and ‘Your Lordship’ during legal proceedings.
A PLAYFUL WAGER
During a routine case hearing with Justice A S Bopanna, Justice Narasimha playfully challenged a senior lawyer, asking how many times they would say ”My Lords” and offered to give half of his salary if they stopped using the phrase.
Justice Narasimha suggested that lawyers should consider using the word ‘Sir’ instead of ‘My Lord,’ and even joked that they might start counting the number of times the senior lawyer used the term ‘My Lords.’
ATTEMPTS TO REFORM
The Bar Council of India passed a resolution in 2006 discouraging lawyers from addressing judges as ‘My Lord’ and ‘Your Lordship,’ but this guideline is not consistently followed in practice.
In 2013, a petition was filed in the apex court seeking a ban on the use of “My Lord” or “Your Lordships” in courts, citing its colonial-era origins and implications of slavery. The petition aimed to ensure the dignity of the country.
RESPECTFUL ADDRESS ENCOURAGED
In 2014, the Supreme Court emphasized that judges should be addressed in a respectful and dignified manner in courtrooms. They clarified that it was not mandatory to use terms like “my lord,” “your lordship,” or “your honour,” underlining the need for reform in this age-old tradition.