KPCC Bows to CJI: Unconditional Apology After 'Resign Now' Post
The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee issues an unconditional apology to CJI Surya Kant and removes an official after a controversial X post.
The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has issued an unconditional apology to the Chief Justice of India (CJI), Justice Surya Kant, following a highly controversial post on the party's official X (formerly Twitter) account. The party has not only expressed deep regret but has also taken swift disciplinary action by removing the official responsible for the post.
The Spark: A Bold Demand for Resignation
The controversy began on October 12, when the official X handle of the Congress Kerala unit published a provocative message directed at the CJI. The post read: "Dear Surya Kant, if law and order is not your domain, resign now. We will find your replacement who can handle it."
The blunt demand for the Chief Justice's resignation and the suggestion of finding a replacement sparked immediate backlash, leading to a legal notice served to the party on October 21.
The Party's Defense: "Unauthorized and Inappropriate"
Responding to the legal notice, KPCC President Sunny Joseph clarified that the post was the work of a single individual, Vijay Thottathil, and was published without the knowledge, approval, or consultation of the party leadership. Joseph emphasized that the expressions used in the post did not represent the official policy or opinion of the KPCC or the Indian National Congress.
In a formal reply, the KPCC stated that the demand for the CJI's resignation was "inappropriate" and should never have appeared on an official party platform. The party expressly disapproved of the language used and withdrew all statements mentioned in the legal notice.
Action Taken and Accountability
To address the lapse, the KPCC has implemented the following measures:
- Removal of Official: Vijay Thottathil has been removed from his position and has been directed to issue a public apology.
- Unconditional Apology: Sunny Joseph tendered an unconditional apology to the CJI on behalf of the party, noting that this apology is separate from the one sought from Thottathil.
- Internal Audit: The party has acknowledged a failure in its communication controls and is now examining the arrangements governing access to its official social media accounts.
Addressing the Digital Lapse
The KPCC admitted that while an external professional agency handles its digital communications, this does not excuse the lack of oversight. The party is now reviewing the entire process—from drafting and review to publication—including the devices used and internal correspondence.
The committee further assured that all electronic records, access logs, and approval records will be preserved to ensure that any lawful inquiry can proceed, asserting that simply removing the post from public view should not mean the destruction of evidence.
Respect for the Judiciary
The KPCC reaffirmed its commitment to the Constitution and the independence of the judiciary. The party made a clear distinction between the right to criticize judicial decisions and the use of language that undermines the dignity of a constitutional office.
"The absence of prior authorisation is offered as a factual explanation, not as a justification for the expressions used," the reply stated.
To ensure transparency, the KPCC has decided to communicate its clarification and apology through its official platforms, ensuring the same audience that saw the original post is now aware of the party's regret and official stance.