JOIN USSenior counsels could not recall such a rush outside as well as inside the Court Hall no 1, where the Bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar was hearing the matter.
So packed was the Court hall, that police sentries closed the doors, allowing people in, only when people got out. One could get in only if someone inside was getting out. Each person coming out the Hall, looked visibly relieved and took in deep breaths of cool fresh air outside.
The air inside the hall was uncomfortably warm and sweaty, thanks to the crowding by advocates, kin of MLAs, party men and curious court staff, and the ubiquitous media persons packed like sardines. There was hardly any space even to stand.
The crowding led some minor arguments, disturbing the Bench. When the noise disturbed senior counel Soli Sorabjee during his arguments, the Chief Justice even gave a verbal warning.
Despite the acute discomfort, those that managed to have a seat were hesitant to leave, lest they lose their precarious perch. Tired of standing, many tried to find some space to sit down, but no avail. A few journalists, who came in late pleaded for space so that they can note down the arguments.
Arguments notwithstanding, there was remarkable unanimity in the palpable collective relief that greeted the Bench’s move to rise for the day, allowing everyone to get out of the furnace-like atmosphere inside.