Reporter’s Diary: Law of learning: Judge asks interns to leave phones outside

But there has been no end to the menace of phones ringing, especially those belonging to the government officials who are present in connection with some case. Even worse is advocates forgetting to switch off their phones, resulting in embarrassing moments in the middle of intense proceedings.

In one instance, the bench led by justice TS Sivagnanam that was hearing the Sterlite Copper case noticed a law student sitting directly in front of him. She was seen constantly looking at her phone and smiling to herself even as the arguments were going on.

Visibly upset over this, the judge directed the clerk to immediately put up a notice saying that interns and law students should not bring mobile phones into his court hall. Instead, they were directed to leave the phones at the chamber of the advocate with whom they are interning. Justice Sivagnanam added that it was a disturbing trend to see interns, who are meant to sit through the hearing and learn from what transpires, were often seen looking at their phones constantly unmindful of what is happening. 

He also remarked as to how the process of junior advocates learning from seniors has taken a backseat in the recent years. But with mobile phones turning out to be an integral part of life these days, almost everyone is seen focussing on the gadget rather than being mindful about the learning curve ahead of them.