Indian judge opts to stand and hear cases, takes lawyers by surprise

A Delhi High Court judge on Thursday created history by conducting court proceedings standing over the dais to avoid any health risks.

Justice Prathiba M Singh referred to potential health problems due to long hours of being seated in court and decided to hear cases in standing position, as opposed to the traditional concept of “sitting judges and standing counsel”.

The judge, who could have easily adjourned the cases or taken a few breaks during the day, conducted the proceedings continuously, said a lawyer who was present in court. 

Terming the standing posture as more comfortable, she conducted the proceedings for nearly two hours in the pre-lunch and post-lunch sessions. She pointed out that judges spend 14-16 hours sitting while at work and it takes a toll on their health. Since doctors advise a break every hour, the judge opted to stand and hear cases continuously.

Lawyers and others present in the courtroom were taken by surprise when she got up in the middle of the proceedings. As they also stood up seeing the judge standing, she asked them to remain seated and said, “It becomes very difficult to sit for the whole day. It is much better to stand and hear the cases."

During the post-lunch session also, she conducted some of the proceedings sitting but heard the rest of the matters standing for nearly an hour. 

She used a slightly elevated computer desk to help her conduct the court while standing.