Unlike the other days, the Constitution bench which was to continue its hearing for the 8th Consecutive day did not sit yesterday which left the Counsels in the Supreme Court speculating the reason for the entire day.
19th August, Monday 10.15 am- The Chief Justice’s Court is all prepared for the 8th day hearing of the Ayodhya dispute. The counsels representing the different parties are in full form whereas the Court master and the other staff is busy arranging the files to kick start the day like it was doing for the past seven days.
While the journalists and clerks excuse themselves to find a place right in front of the dias, a staff comes and whispers something in the Court Master’s ears. The staff starts removing the chair and the confusion begins.
10.50 am-There is a speculation that the constitution bench shall not sit for the day and the Chief is leaving from the Court but no answer is available as to why the bench is not sitting for the day.
11.00 am-the counsels representing the different parties start leaving the Court while the other Counsels wait for their matter listed before the alternate bench, however on inquiry the Court master informs that the alternate bench shall also not sit for the day.
11.15 am-Counsels make their way to Court 2 apprehending that the alternate bench presided by Justice Bobde may sit for the day, however no confirmation is available even from the Courtmasters!
11.20 am-the speculation comes to an end when the Court master informs the Counsels that the alternate bench shall also not sit in Court 2.
While we look at the causelist the first matter listed before the alternate bench of Court 2 is a Writ Petition filed by Arun Ramchandra Hublikar, a resident of Mumbai in which the respondent interestingly is the Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi!
–India Legal Bureau