Unfortunate to hear criticism over judges work despite burning midnight oil: Justice Dipankar Datta

The Supreme Court judge, Justice Dipankar Datta, remarked on Wednesday that it is very unfortunate that despite efforts being put in by judges, it is said that judicial officers are working for very few hours.

The remark was made by the top court when it was hearing the former Jharkhand Chief Minister Heman Soren's plea seeking interim bail in the money laundering case.

A bench of justices, Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma, made the remark when it referred to an article that criticised judges for working for a few hours.


Justice Dipankar Datta said that it hardly came across a matter which was filed within time. He further said that all who castigate the judiciary must take note of the fact that judges burn the midnight oil even during vacations.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that it is the only court in the world that works this much. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal said that this is one of the most overworked courts in the world.

The remark was made when Kapil Sibal while withdrawing his petition from the top court, urged the apex court to see that if they moved to the High Court, it may be decided expeditiously. The top court remarked that it has become very difficult for them to regulate the business of High Courts.