Say sorry, shake hands, and let anger flee,
But don’t expect discounts from the judiciary!
Forgiveness may come with hugs and tea,
But don’t forget — you still owe court fee!
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Chapter 3: Forgiveness is Free... But Not the Court Fee
(from the funny satirical legal series “What a Judge Cannot Judge”)
It was one of those classic mornings at the High Court — foggy air, noisy tea stalls, and a courtroom full of eager faces. The reason? Mr. White and Mr. Black were going head-to-head. Again.This time, the case seemed simple. The clients had made peace. Smiles were exchanged. Hugs were almost given. And then... came a surprising request — followed by a loud thud, some hopping on one foot, and legal arguments that sounded more like a courtroom talent show.All seemed calm... until the judge gave a reply that no one saw coming.
What did he decide?
Let’s dive in.
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It was one of those classic mornings — the kind where the smog hangs in the air like unfiled paperwork, the tea stalls outside the High Court were buzzing with under-caffeinated clerks, and inside Courtroom , something dramatic was brewing.
The courtroom was packed — not because of the importance of the case, but because everyone knew Mr. White and Mr. Black were going head-to-head. Again.
These two were courtroom celebrities. Not the kind with PR agents or Instagram accounts — the real deal. Mr. Black, known for his icy calm and surgical arguments. Mr. White, famous for drama, flair, and quoting poetry in written submissions. In a legal world full of gray suits, these two were pure theatre.
Mr. White, lawyer for Mr. Green (the Plaintiff), stood with a smile so bright it could win a toothpaste ad.Mr. Black, lawyer for Mr. Red (the Defendant), looked serious, like someone had just stolen his pen.
“My Lord,” said Mr. White with a sweet smile,“This case is now over! Mr. Green, my client, and Mr. Red, the other guy, have become friends again and matter has been settled in the mediation. They hugged (not really, but almost), and now I want the Hon'ble court to close the matter.Also, can my client please get back half of the court fee? After all, peace has returned!”
Mr. Grey, the Hon'ble High Court judge nodded slowly, thinking. But suddenly—CRASH! Everyone turned. A file had fallen from the shelf, hitting Mr. Red right on the foot.
“Aaaargh!” Mr. Red cried, hopping like a one-legged chicken. “See, My Lord! The court itself is attacking me now!” The courtroom gasped. Even the peon dropped his pen.
Mr. Black sprang into action, as if this file injury was a turning point in legal history. “My Lord,” he said, pointing dramatically, “Not only did my client suffer during the case, but now he’s injured inside the courtroom! And let us not forget — earlier, your Lordship had ordered him to pay costs because he was late with his papers.My client has been punished enough. Let’s not now reward the other side with a refund!”
Mr. White didn’t even blink. He just turned slowly, rolled his eyes, and said: “My Lord, allow me to gently remind my learned friend that his client never actually paid that cost. Not one rupee.So what kind of punishment is that? It's like putting up a ‘Beware of Dog’ sign, but there’s no dog.
Some junior lawyer at the back almost choked from trying to hide his laughter.
Hon’ble Mr. Grey finally spoke. Calm, serious, and wise — with just a pinch of dry humor.“I see what’s happening here. Mr. White wants a refund. But not for peace.It is actually a sneaky way to recover what Mr. Red never paid.Well, clever… but not clever enough.Request declined.”
He leaned back, lifted his pen like a judge in a movie trailer, and delivered the final punchline: “This Court gives justice, not Buy-One-Get-One-Free offers.Yes, forgiveness is free... But the court fee? That stays with the court.”
Mr. Black and Mr. White both packed up their files with the dramatic flair of lawyers — except one had lost the case, and the other had lost the court fee.
And the Lesson, Mr. Red earned today was that Hon'ble Courts are noble, his Forgiveness was beautiful, But if one skip the payment and think he’ll quietly slip out the back door..., Be aware of court's penetrating eyes. Court doesn’t bark, but bites — through affidavits, exhibits and orders.
Outside the courtroom, the news cameras were already rolling. In front of Court, here was Mr. Orange, a reporter for a legal channel no one watches during cricket matches. His bright orange tie was as loud as his voice.
Mr. Orange, aired this news on TV with the heading: In Litigation, Forgiveness Comes Easy… But Refunds? Not So Much. If you're looking for refund, Mr. Orange declared with a grin, try Amazon — not the Honourable Court.
Respectfully Ridiculous And submitted with humor and humility, By The Lawfing Lawyer,Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman,Patent and Trademark Attorney,Delhi High Court,Lawfing Tales of Law, Lawyers and Litigation
