It was rather unusual. The case file was delivered to the Judge midnight at his residence. The staff had gone by the time and the Judge himself received it. Yet the Judge showed restraint.

The bail petition was to be heard next day. It was listed urgent as directed by Chief Justice.

When the petition was to be taken up, the lawyer asked for an adjournment.

The SC judge Ajay Rastogi was annoyed and expressed strong displeasure. It was listed urgent and why now you withdraw? It looks bad, the judge felt.

The petitioner was Atik Ahmed MLA from UP. He was an accused in a murder case and sought bail.

Why now adjournment? The judge asked the lawyer who replied that a few more documents have to be submitted.

The judge took strong exception and remarked that the practice is undesirable.

Why do you put unnecessary burden on the judges? he queried.

The case was adjourned.