Former Orissa High Court chief justice S. Muralidhar appeared as a senior advocate before the Supreme Court on Monday to defend a retired judicial officer in a case related to adverse remarks issued against her by the Madras High Court.

The top court has designated Justice Muralidhar as a senior advocate after the decision of a full court of judges on October 16.

Justice Muralidhar had made headlines following his midnight transfer from the Delhi High Court to the Punjab and Haryana High Court after he asked Delhi police to file FIRs against a few BJP leaders for hate speeches ahead of the Delhi riots in February 2020.

On Monday, Justice Muralidhar appeared before Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud’s court. The CJI said in a lighter vein: “I can’t say brother Muralidhar, but I will say Mr Muralidhar now.”

The apex court recorded Muralidhar’s submission that the judicial officer has an “unblemished” record and permitted his client to submit a written response to the adverse remarks.

As the proceedings concluded, a lawyer in the court praised Justice Muralidhar and said: “He is an asset whichever side he appears for.”