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Justice Chandrachud today remarked that his conscience is clear and warned a lawyer against using certain tactics to take the matter off his bench.

When the matter was called for hearing, the bench of Justices Chandrachud and Surya Kant were informed by the court master that a letter for adjournment has been circulated in the matter. However, Vijay Hansari, Sr. Adv, appearing for the respondent objected to the adjournment and informed the bench that certain important facts pertaining to the matter have been concealed in the petition.

Hansari further informed the bench that this matter has been ongoing since 1991 and his client holds a decree from the year 2000. The bench immediately summoned the counsel for the petitioner. On appearing the counsel said “Mr. Atul Chitale, Sr. Adv, used to appear in the matter milords.” It is to be noted that Chitale is Justice Chandrachud’s relative.

A visibly upset Justice Chandrachud asked the counsel if Chitale is appearing in the matter now. When the counsel answered in the negative, Justice Chandrachud said, “Don’t say such thing to get this matter off my bench!”

Justice Chandrachud further said, “My conscience is clear, I will keep this matter in my bench.” The bench asked the lawyer to start making his submissions, however, owing to paucity of time, the matter has been adjourned to Monday (21st March) for hearing and disposal