"That Is A Colonial Mindset; Now We Are Independent": Calcutta HC Asks Lawyers Not To 'Beg To Appear' Before It

The Calcutta High Court, recently, during a hearing remarked that lawyers should not use the word 'beg' while appearing before the court as it is a colonial expression.

The Circuit Bench at Jalpaiguri said that every counsel has a constitutional and statutory right to represent and nobody can deny that right.

The Division Bench of Justice Harish Tandon and Justice Apurba Sinha Ray said, "Why do you prefer the use of the word 'begging'? Now these colonial expressions have gone, and now we are independent. You have a constitutional and statutory right to represent. You can say that I am appearing for the Appellant. Nobody can deny you."

Before the Court, the Counsel said, "I beg to appear for the Appellant."

Justice Tandon said, "Why the use of the word 'beg'?"

Counsel replied, "I stand corrected."

Justice Tandon again remarked, "That is a colonial mindset."

On the next day, another counsel in a different matter appeared before the Court and said, "I beg to appear for the Appellant. I am sitting in a Bar Association Room, that is why I am praying, not today. I will do it tomorrow."

Justice Tandon replied, "Refused...because I don't encourage begging."

Accordingly, the Court continued with the proceedings.