21 ex-judges write to CJI about attempts to 'undermine judiciary'
What's the story
A group of 21 retired judges have written a letter to Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, expressing concern about increasing attempts by "certain factions" to "destabilize the judiciary."
"We write to express our shared concern regarding the escalating attempts by certain factions to undermine the judiciary through calculated pressure, misinformation, and public disparagement," they wrote.
The group, which comprises four Supreme Court judges and others from High Courts, didn't specify the incidents that prompted them to write the letter.
Context
Why does this story matter?
This comes weeks after over 600 lawyers wrote a letter to the CJI expressing their concerns about attempts by certain groups to manipulate the judiciary.
The lawyers condemned the "vested interest group" for attempting to manipulate judicial processes, influence court judgments, and damage the judiciary's reputation with false claims.
The letter was signed by prominent lawyers including Harish Salve, Manan Kumar Mishra, Adish Agarwala, Chetan Mittal, Hitesh Jain, Ujjwala Pawar, Uday Holla, and Swaroopama Chaturvedi.
Misinformation tactics
Focus on misinformation tactics against judiciary
In their letter, the judges highlighted concerns about tactics of misinformation and manipulation of public sentiment against the judiciary.
They emphasized that praising court decisions that align with one's views while harshly criticizing those that do not, undermines the essence of judicial review and rule of law.
"Such actions not only disrespect the sanctity of...judiciary but also pose a direct challenge to...principles of fairness and impartiality that judges, as guardians of the law, have sworn to uphold," they wrote.
Accusations
Judges accuse critics of manipulating judicial outcomes
The retired judges argue that these critics are driven by narrow political agendas and personal gains.
"Their methods are manifold and insidious, with clear attempts to sway judicial processes by casting aspersions on the integrity of our courts and the judges," they claimed in their letter.
"We stand in solidarity with the judiciary and are prepared to support in any manner necessary to uphold the dignity, integrity, and impartiality of our judiciary," the letter adds.
Signatories
'Ensure sanctity, autonomy of legal system'
Among the 21 signatories are former Supreme Court Justices Deepak Verma, Krishna Murari, Dinesh Maheshwari, and MR Shah, and former High Court judges Permod Kohli, SM Soni, Ambadas Joshi, and SN Dhingra.
The signatories said, "The judiciary, led by the Supreme Court, to fortify against such pressures...ensure that the sanctity and autonomy of our legal system are preserved. It is imperative...the judiciary remains a pillar of democracy...immune to the whims and fancies of transient political interests".