In a world filled with legal intricacies and courtroom dramas, there exists a fascinating story that few have heard of – the tale of Justice Khadak Singh. Born in the heartland of Patiala, Justice Khadak Singh was not only a revered figure in the realm of law but also a prominent landowner and the head of the village council. His journey from a rural upbringing to the hallowed halls of justice is a testament to his remarkable character and unwavering commitment to justice.
A Humble Beginning
Justice Khadak Singh, often referred to as Khadak Singh of Patiala, hailed from a family deeply rooted in the traditions of the region. His early days were marked by a strong sense of community and a keen interest in the affairs of the village. As the head of the village council, he played a pivotal role in resolving local disputes and ensuring the welfare of his fellow villagers.
The Fateful Encounter
One day, the affairs of the village began to weigh heavily on Maharaja Bhajan Singh, his cousin and the reigning Maharaja of Patiala. Seeking a solution, Maharaja Bhajan Singh turned to Justice Khadak Singh and uttered the now-famous words, “The seat of the session judge in the city is vacant; appoint me as the judge.” (In those days, it was common for session judges to be appointed based on recommendations).
Responding to his cousin’s plea, Justice Khadak Singh penned a letter and made his way to the office of the Session Judge. The session judge, intrigued by the request, initiated an interview.
Session Judge: “Your name?”
Khadak Singh: “Khadak Singh.”
Session Judge: “Your qualifications?”
Khadak Singh: “Do you want me as a judge or a schoolmaster?”
Session Judge: Chuckling “Sardarji, do you have any legal education at all? How will you differentiate between right and wrong?”
Undeterred, Khadak Singh twirled his mustache and retorted, “Is that all you want to know? Why burden yourself with volumes of books like a donkey? I’ve been making decisions in the village council for years. I have a good sense of what’s right and wrong.”
The session judge, bemused by Khadak Singh’s response, decided to humor him. He hastily penned a letter, and Justice Khadak Singh was appointed as the judge.
The First Case: A Murder Mystery
Coincidentally, Justice Khadak Singh’s very first case as a judge turned out to be a murder trial that had gripped the entire city. In the courtroom, four accused individuals stood on one side, while a grieving woman, her clothes torn and disheveled, stood on the other.
Justice Khadak Singh, before taking his seat, observed the accused and the distraught woman intently and quickly grasped the essence of the case.
A police officer entered the courtroom, holding a stack of papers, and declared, “My Lord, this woman is a widow, and these four men are accused of murdering her husband.”
Justice Khadak Singh, with an air of authority, asked the woman to narrate her side of the story.
Woman: “Your Honor, the man on my right had a scythe in his hand, and the man on my left had an axe, while the other two had sticks. They emerged from the field, and, without warning, they attacked my husband. They beat him mercilessly until he breathed his last.”
Justice Khadak Singh scrutinized the accused and inquired, “Why, you ruffians, did you beat the man to death?”
The man on the right side replied, “Oh, no, Your Honor. I had nothing in my hand, and the man on my left didn’t have an axe. We came only to talk and explain. We never intended to harm him.”
Justice Khadak Singh, visibly angered, questioned, “So, the man is dead, isn’t he?”
As he was about to pick up his pen and start writing, a man in a black coat, sporting a distinct demeanor, entered the courtroom and interrupted, “Your Lordship, please hold on. This case is more complex than it appears. The land where the incident occurred belongs to the accused as well. Why would they kill the man?”
Justice Khadak Singh inquired, “And who is this man in the black coat?”
The police officer replied, “Your Honor, he is the counsel for the accused.”
Justice Khadak Singh’s journey as Patiala’s esteemed judge continued, unraveling more mysteries, and setting a precedent for delivering swift justice. His legacy transcended boundaries, inspiring not only learned judges but also ordinary folks who found their way to his courtroom. The story of Justice Khadak Singh serves as a profound lesson for future generations of judges – that in the pursuit of justice, both the accused and their counsel should be held accountable, ultimately leading to a decrease in crime rates and a more just society.