'Nobody Can Browbeat Judiciary': SC Issues Notice to Rahul Gandhi, Congress
The Supreme Court warns that nobody can browbeat the judiciary after issuing a notice to Rahul Gandhi and Congress leaders over their October 12 march.
The Supreme Court of India has sent a stern message to political leaders, asserting that the judiciary cannot be intimidated. The court issued a notice to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and others following a controversial march to the top court on October 12.
The Controversy Over the October 12 March
The legal action stems from a plea filed by four advocates challenging the march conducted by opposition leaders. The march was organized to file a petition regarding alleged irregularities in the Special Investigation Report (SIR). The petitioners argued that such a public demonstration directed at the court amounted to an attempt to "browbeat" the judiciary.
During the proceedings, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi emphasized the independence of the legal system, stating clearly that "Nobody can browbeat the judiciary."
Judiciary's Awareness of Political Rhetoric
The petitioners highlighted a significant level of concern within the legal community, informing the bench that approximately 200 lawyers had signed a memorandum expressing their alarm over attempts to intimidate the court.
Responding to these concerns, the CJI made it clear that the court is well aware of the public discourse surrounding its functioning.
"We are not sitting in ivory towers. We know what statements they make outside and what they say in Court. We know everything,"the CJI remarked.
Respondents and Contempt Allegations
The petition names several high-profile respondents, including:
- The Central Government
- The Indian National Congress
- Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra
Beyond the march, the petition also sought contempt action against the Kerala unit of the Congress party for making derogatory remarks against the Chief Justice of India. This comes amidst a climate where the Kerala Congress unit and MP Mahua Moitra have openly criticized the CJI and called for his resignation.
However, while the court issued notices regarding the march, the bench declined to issue a notice specifically regarding the contempt plea against the Kerala Congress unit at this stage.