No Permit Required for Case Involving Dubey
New Delhi's Chaotic Scene:
The Supreme Court took a laid-back stance on Monday, giving its blessing for a contempt petition to be filed directly against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for his careless and insensitive comments about the Court and the Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna.
During a quick hearing before Justices B.R. Gavai and Augustine George Masih, the petitioner's lawyer brought up recent news reports chronicling Dubey's harsh words - calling for Parliament's dismissal if the Court continues to shape laws, and putting the blame on the CJI for stirring up "civil wars" in India. The lawyer appealed for permission to kick off contempt proceedings.
In a nonchalant response, Justice Gavai dismissed the need for their approval, informing the petitioner to just go ahead and file their petition. However, they did mention obtaining the Attorney General's sanction under the Contempt of Courts Act would be a prerequisite.
This outburst from Dubey unfolded right after the assurance from the Centre to hold off on implementing aspects of the Waqf (Amendment) Act until further discussions. The BJP swiftly distanced itself, with party president J.P. Nadda classifying Dubey's stance as a personal view and reaffirming respect for the judiciary's independence.
Odisha CM Expresses Thanks to PM Modi:Meanwhile, Supreme Court advocate Anas Tanveer, representing a litigant in the Waqf Act challenge, has formally reached out to Attorney General R. Venkatramani, soliciting permission to instigate criminal contempt proceedings against Dubey under Section 15(1)(b) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. The request points to Dubey's public words as "grossly disrespectful, misleading, and deliberate in lowering the esteem of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India."
In the backdrop of these contentious proceedings:
- Nishikant Dubey has spewed toxic rhetoric against the Supreme Court and CJI Sanjiv Khanna.
- The Supreme Court Bar Association has submitted a plea for contempt action against Dubey, but their request is still pending with the Attorney General.
- The Supreme Court has expressed disapproval of Dubey's remarks but has not taken proactive steps to initiate contempt proceedings.
- A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is in the works asking for contempt action against Dubey, with further developments pending in the Supreme Court.
This incident sheds light on the complexity of separating political criticism from assaults against judicial dignity, as the Court appears to be handling the contempt case against Dubey cautiously.
- The ongoing war-and-conflicts within the political landscape of India continues, as Nishikant Dubey's controversial remarks against the Supreme Court and Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna remain a point of contention.
- As policy-and-legislation regarding the Waqf (Amendment) Act remains stalled, general-news focuses on the Supreme Court's handling of the contempt case against Dubey, emphasizing the delicate balance between politics and the judiciary.
