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On completing seven years as a judge, Justice Swaminathan in his report has said, "It has been my fortune to serve in the Madurai Bench throughout this period. When I completed two years, I released my performance report. It did generate ripples. Most of my colleagues as well as seniors did not relish it. But I do not regret having come out with that score card"
With the view that all holders of public office including Judges ought to be held accountable and Judges also have to be judged on the basis of their performance, Justice G.R. Swaminathan of the Madras High Court has released his own performance report.
As per the report, the High Court judge has so far cleared 64798 cases in his seven years of holding the post. Justice Swaminathan ahs also dealt with 38244 miscellaneous cases in the last seven years making his grand total to be 102154 cases.
Referring to a recent judgment of Justice N. Seshasayee dealing with the interplay between Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and Electricity Act, 2003., Justice Swaminathan has showed his appreciations saying it runs to 72 pages and deals with every leading decision rendered by the Hon'ble Supreme Court on IBC. I felt that this single judgment of my brother Judge is equal to one thousand orders passed by me, he adds.
On his recent pronouncement being made to appear in the social media as if he had bad-mouthed the railways, Justice Swaminathan has said,
"This went rather viral. The language was colorful. It read that I spat fire. Judges cannot retaliate. They cannot jump into the public arena and hit back. They have to stomach several things. Media cannot put words into my mouth. May be the bar members can set the record straight in such cases. They can write letters to the editor or the Youtuber or the blogger concerned. Very occasionally they can pass resolutions!."
Justice Swaminathan touched upon his personal weakness of losing his temper. At least two counsel fall victim every day. I hope to turn a new leaf from tomorrow. When I give my farewell address, I hope to say with pride that from my eight year I have not hurt a single counsel in my court, he adds.
With reference to former CJI MN Venkatachaliah's statement that shouting at counsels as a behavior is not appropriate, he has said a Judge has no right to bring down the lawyer in the esteem of his client as it may cost the counsel substantially.
In conclusion, he expresses his desire to render at least one reportable judgment every week, to contribute to march of law.
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