Judges with Colorful Lives: No. 10

Posted on by Rudrajyoti Nath Ray

MKFormer Judge of High Court of Australia is a self-declared homosexual. William Rehnquist, 16th Chief Justice of the United States, was once addicted to ‘placidyl’. There is no definitive example of a quirky Indian Judge. In this new series, I shall bring to you the names of 10 Indian Judges who I think have had a life, a shade different from Black or White.

No. 10 – Justice Shamit Mukherjee

“On the arrest of a Sitting Judge of the Delhi High Court by the CBI, Media had gone to Sarin J for his comments and even this, it was stated, might lead him (Sarin J) to harbour ill will against R.K. Anand” – R.K. Anand v. Registrar, Delhi High Court (2009) 8 SCC 106.

Shamit Mukherjee

The Sitting Judge is Justice Shamit Mukherjee. The Outlook Bureau, “Judge Dread”, reveals Mukherjee was partial to attractive women and partying. All while his Wife was confined to a wheel chair. Later he was arrested for an alleged involvement in a land scam.

Dharambir v. Central Bureau of Investigation, 148 (2008) DLT 289 notes, “even after he became a Judge of this Court, Mukherjee used to visit premises of Khattar at 431, Mathura Road, Jangpura Extension, New Delhi and enjoy the hospitality.” 431, Mathura Road, Jungpura Extension is said to have been THE SPOT for Mukherjee. It is now all locked up, discarded and forgotten. From my personal treasure trove:

431 Mathura Road

'The Last Word' seeks to include not only wise and witty sayings but also curiosities. These words are not of obligation but of delight. I am not alone in my refusal to believe, law is tedious. For all who escaped these percipient eyes, mea culpa maxima. History, after all, has many cunning passages, contrived corridors and issues.