If you want to be judge, do not have live in relationship

By Vijay Kumar

A good lawyer could not become a judge because he had a live-in relationship with a lady lawyer.

Justice Markandeya Katju describes this event in his blog:

In one of these 3 High Courts (I will not mention which, to avoid identification of the persons concerned) I got a good impression of a certain middle aged male lawyer who appeared several times before me, and always argued his cases well. He had a very good knowledge of law and was very competent and courteous I was thinking of getting his name recommended for Judgeship of the High Court.

However, at that time a senior colleague of mine spoke to me alone and advised me not to do so. I asked him why? He said it was because that male lawyer was having a live in relationship with a lady lawyer to whom he was not married. They were often seen openly going to parties, functions and restaurants together. Due to this advice I dropped the idea of recommending the name of that lawyer for Judgeship of the High Court.

Justice Katju defends his action,

Indian society is largely still conservative, and largely still does not approve of live in relationship, though it is not illegal. While lawyers can have live in relationship, it is as yet not ethically permissible to Judges.

And he gives the sage advice:

So if you want to be judge, please do not have a live in relationship .

Can he have such a relationship after becoming a judge - will he be impeached if he has?