Chief Justice of Kenya Justice Martha K. Koome Sits Along With Chief Justice-Led Constitution Bench
Today, when the Constitution Bench assembled after lunch, the Court of the Chief Justice of India was filled with curiosity upon seeing an unfamiliar face stepping up with the 5-judges of the Bench.
The Chief Justice of India led Bench settled and with a cheerful expression the CJI announced "We are honoured to have in our midst Chief Justice of Kenya Martha Koome". He added, "the least of whose achievements is that she is the first woman chief justice of the country".
The Constitution Bench comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice MR Shah, Justice Krishna Murari, Justice Hima Kohli and Justice PS Narasimha was hearing the cases related to the Maharashtra political crisis. The Constitution Bench rose for lunch and on the resumption of the hearing, was joined by the Chief Justice of Kenya.
The Chief Justice of India made sure that the Chief Justice of Kenya has an idea of the case that is being heard by the Bench. The Chief Justice said, "we have given the Chief Justice of Kenya a brief wrap of what is being argued here. We have been as objective as possible in trying to tell her what the matter is".
Senior Advocate Kabil Sibal who is appearing in the matter welcomed the Lady Chief Justice saying "on behalf of the bar, we welcome you."
The Chief Justice of India said that "Martha Koome was also part of the Bench which decided on recognition of LGBTQ rights in Kenya".
The Chief Justice of Kenya sat next to the Constitution Bench, on the dais for a short time. The Chief Justice of India on her parting added that "she has other meetings and has to go". He also welcomed and thanked the other judges of the Kenyan Supreme Court along with the Kenya delegation, who were also present in the courtroom.
Recently, the Chief Justice of Kenya lauded India's ability to translate judgements using AI.
On the Apex Court's Foundation Day on February 6, Singapore's Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon sat along with a two-judge Bench lead by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud.
