The Supreme Court on Friday issued show-cause notices to Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut and journalist Nikhil Wagle in criminal contempt proceedings over their public remarks about Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and the judiciary, news agency Press Trust of India reported.
A bench comprising the CJI and Justice Joymalya Bagchi exempted Raut and Wagle from appearing in person at the next hearing, saying it would first consider their explanations.
The notices were issued on a contempt petition filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association. SCBA president and senior advocate Pradeep Rai alleged that the remarks by Raut and Wagle went beyond fair criticism and could undermine public confidence in the Supreme Court.
Expressing concern over statements targeting the judiciary, the CJI said courts had consistently upheld personal liberty and fundamental rights, making attacks on the institution particularly unfortunate.
The SCBA sought the personal appearance of Raut and Wagle. The bench, however, decided to first issue show-cause notices. “We are giving a show-cause as of now. Of course we are granting exemption for personal appearance. Let us see,” the bench said, according to PTI.
Earlier, Attorney General R Venkataramani had consented to the initiation of criminal contempt proceedings under Section 15(1)(b) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. The SCBA filed its petition on October 15, and Venkataramani granted consent the same day.
The controversy followed the CJI’s decision to decline a request for a personal meeting with a delegation of opposition parties. He indicated that the matter could instead be brought before the court through a petition.
According to the SCBA’s petition, Wagle subsequently posted an allegedly abusive remark against the CJI on his X account. He later reportedly withdrew it. Raut also allegedly made objectionable remarks.
The Supreme Court will consider the explanations from Raut and Wagle before taking the criminal contempt proceedings further, while both remain exempt from personal appearance at the next hearing.
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