When Chief Justice of India Surya Kant was fixing a date in the case of Suresh Devi vs High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, he made a side comment in an open court. The comment took place in the regular proceedings where the case was to be set on another hearing date.
The case was brought before the Supreme Court and the bench was determining the date of hearing next. The Chief Justice was talking about the schedule; he gave the matter third that it should be put after the holidays of the Holi. Then he added that it was to be listed after the next week too. In a more light-hearted comment, he said: Allahabad hai bhai… ek hafta toh lag jayega bhang ka nasha utarne mein, the customary use of bhang during the Holi festival in sections of Uttar Pradesh.
The remark was said humorously when correcting the date and was not a part of a judicial order. The interaction between the courtroom was informal and it happened in the administrative procedure of listing the case. These are comments at times made at hearings and they have no impact on the legal issues in the case.
Holi is a popular festival in North India, including the Allahabad officially named Prayagraj. The mention of bhang has something to do with a traditional beverage made of cannabis leaves that is traditionally taken at Holi in certain areas. The comment by the Chief Justice attracted attention due to its informal language when it was said in a formal court session.
The case in Suresh Devi vs High Court of Judicature at Allahabad is still pending and further hearing will be done on the day that the Supreme Court decides after the Holi vacation.
