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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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