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Sir A.B. Marten,
M.A.,
LL.D.(Cantab.), Bar-at-Law. : Sir Amberson
Marten succeeded Sir Macleod as the Chief Justice in 1926. His Lordship
had, besides his practice in the Law Courts in England, a very thorough
training in law. His Lordship came to Bombay in 1916 to fill the vacancy
created by the death of Sir Dinshaw Davar. His Lordship was Puisne
Judge from 1916 to 1926. His Lordship was marvelously quick in seizing a
law point (very often anticipating counsel) and getting at the gist of a
judgment, even in a very long and intricate report. His Lordship's
knowledge of English law, both principles and case law, was astonishing
and was unquestionably a very good lawyer, he never shirked a law point.
His Lordship judgments are models of extremely careful and detailed consideration
of the facts and law involved. But he was impatient, short-tempered
and over-particular, which in later years detracted from his popularity.
After he became Chief Justice, Marten unfortunately neglected his judicial
work, and plunged into administrative work. On occasion, he kept away
from the Bench for weeks together, doing administrative work for which he
had no special aptitude, and neglecting his judicial work for which he was
eminently competent and qualified. It was a tragedy. This caused
a very unfavourable impression on the Bar and on the public; and sadly affected
his previous very fine record. His Lordship was the Chief Justice from
1926- 1930.
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