Kerala Congress faces SC's contempt notice over 'CJI resign' tweet
What's the story
The Supreme Court has issued a contempt of court notice to the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) over a tweet demanding the resignation of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant. The bench asked KPCC office-bearers to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them. The court indicated it will appoint senior counsel Arvind Datar and Gaurav Agarwal as amici curiae to assist the court in considering whether criminal contempt or civil contempt needs to be initiated.
Judicial authority
'Judicial independence not political convenience': SC
The bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and Vipul M Pancholi stressed that no person or political party is above the Constitution and that judicial independence isn't a matter of political convenience.
"Judgments are always open to criticism but freedom of expression can't be a shield for interference with administration of justice," it said.
The court warned that any attempt to undermine its authority would be dealt with an iron hand.
Apology issued
Tweet posted on October 12
The controversial tweet, which has been deleted, was posted on October 12 from the official X handle of Congress Kerala.
It read, "Dear Surya Kant, If law and order is not your domain, resign now. We will find your replacement who can handle it."
In a reply dated October 22 to a legal notice sent by Supreme Court Bar Association Joint Secretary Meenesh Dubey, KPCC President Sunny Joseph said the post was made by party worker Vijay Thottathil without approval.
Legal proceedings
Matter to be heard on December 15
The counsel representing the Congress told the court again on Friday that the post was uploaded without approval or consent from office bearers.
"Unconditionally we are tendering an apology," he said.
The counsel added that the post was removed the same day. "It should not have been done, no doubt about it."
To this, the court replied, "Once the damage is caused... tomorrow it could happen to every profession, every institution."
The matter will be heard next on December 15.