The Oral Remarks Archive

1 Jun 2026

Law has lost its teeth because we don't deal with offenders firmly. That is why committing an offence has become so easy, unlike in the Middle East. If you chop [off a] leg or hand, perhaps only then people will [start] to comply with the law. Because we have a democracy, everybody takes it [for granted].

Justice R. Nataraj, High Court of Karnataka

During a hearing on a bail application filed by a 23-year-old man accused of rape.

4 May 2026

Have I decided to dismiss your writ petition? I've [only] requested you to bring the order copy. […] Are you thinking as a great senior advocate? Call the police. […] Go and tell and make a dharna at the Bar Council. You don't even have 10 years' standing and you will throw the bundle? […] Now you will [feel the] pain.

Justice Tarlada Rajasekhar Rao, High Court of Andhra Pradesh

Directed towards counsel for the petitioner during a hearing on a petition challenging the issuance of a lookout notice against the petitioner, ordering the counsel to be sent to 24-hour police custody; order was recalled following an intervention by the High Court Advocates' Association.

28 Aug 2024

Go to that Mysore Road flyover. Every auto-rickshaw has 10 people. It is not applicable because the Mysore flyover right up to the flower market from Gori Palya is in Pakistan, not in India. This is the reality. No matter how strict a police officer you put there, they will be beaten up there.

Justice Vedavyasachar Srishananda, High Court of Karnataka

During a hearing on a matter under the Rent Control Act, with reference to a lease agreement in a Muslim-majority area of Bangalore; led to In Re Remarks by High Court Judge During Court Proceedings.

26 Apr 2021

The [EC] is singularly responsible for the second wave of COVID-19. [The EC officers] should be put up for murder charges.

Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee, High Court of Madras

During a hearing on a matter related to conduction of elections during COVID-19 without adequate protections being followed by the Election Commission; led to Chief Election Commissioner of India v. M.R. Vijayabhaskar.