Madras HC controversy: Can a judge hear a case against self? What experts say

A row erupted when Justice GR Swaminathan presided over a matter in which criminal contempt proceedings were initiated against advocate S Vanchinathan

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‘Deeply disturbing’

Henri Tiphagne, a veteran human rights defender and senior advocate at the MaduraiBench of the Madras High Court said that the court’s handling of the matter was “deeply disturbing”.

Madras HC judge hears case against self, calls advocate ‘comedy piece’

During Monday’s hearing, Justice Swaminathan reprimandedVanchinathan for what he described as a relentless and baselesscampaign against the judiciary

The courtroom of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court witnessed an unusualscene on Monday (July 28) when Justice GR Swaminathan directly criticised anadvocate, who had filed a complaint against him alleging caste bias, calling him a“comedy piece.”

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