New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday issued a contempt notice to the Kerala Congress over a social media post that targeted Chief Justice of India (CJI)
Surya Kanth. It observed that the judiciary is not a matter of ‘political convenience’.
During the hearing, the bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Vipul M Pancholi observed that hat the Constitution of the country is supreme. It said that no individual or political organisation stands above it.
What did the Supreme Court say?
“Judgments are always open to criticism. Freedom of expression can’t be a shield of intimidation to interfere with the administration of justice. Howsoever high position a person occupies, any attempt to undermine the authority of the court needs to be dealt with an iron hand,” the top court said.
It further observed, “Authority of the court doesn’t require political endorsement; it rests on the rule of law. Where administration of justice is established, the law must take its course.” The top court further observed that independence of the judiciary not a matter of political convenience.
The apex court further said that a senior advocate has been appointed as amicus curiae in the matter to examine whether criminal or civil contempt apply in the matter. The court further asked Attorney General R Venkataramani for assistance in the matter.
Earlier, a post by the Congress unit of Kerala shared against CJI went viral. It drew sharp criticism on social media, after which it was removed from social media. The Congress further said it removed the person responsible for the post.
