This was the suggestion given by Supreme Court Judge, Justice A K Sikri, to his colleagues, especially those in the lower judiciary.
Addressing a session at the ongoing Kumaon Literary Festival here, he suggested that the lower judiciary should draft simple judgements as they may lack the requisite expertise for using evocative language which ought to be used only by senior judges of high courts and the apex court.
"The law is meant for others as well. And it is about how you play with words. When we are wanting for words, poetry, film become convenient. It will touch the chord of a reader, a layman. Literature must be used only to forcefully convey an idea," Justice Sikri said.
The Supreme Court judge was deliberating on the topic 'From legal literature to literature in law: Changing contours of judicial opinion' during a session titled 'My Lords, I Rest My Case!' in the 2016 edition of the festival.
He said that evocative literary references must be used sparingly and only when trying to accentuate a judgement.
Sikri said that evocative language must be used only by senior judges of the High Court and Supreme court.
Sikri explained the pitfalls of such an approach and pitched for making judgements easier to understand.
"The judgement is not meant only for lawyers. When a legal principle is laid down, that may be relevant not only for lawyers but also for other cases, because it becomes a precedent. The judgement is meant for litigants because it is their dispute. Sometimes a larger community is also interested. Judgement is more so for them as well," he said.
Giving an example when judgements become too emotive and descend into hyperbole, senior advocate Sanjay Hegde pointed to the bail order granted to Kanhaiya Kumar where the judge started with the lyrics of the song "Mere desh ki dharti".
"We have to use examples as pivots and as our servants. But many times we end up with judgement by thesaurus," Hegde said.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve hit your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online
Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app