Top Judiciary A group, according to the lawyers, is employing pressure tactics to influence judicial outcomes, particularly in cases involving political figures and corruption allegations
Our Bureau
New Delhi
In an unprecedented development, more than 600 lawyers have addressed a letter to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud , expressing serious concerns against the actions of a specific interest group aiming to undermine the judiciary’s integrity. The letter has been signed by prominent lawyers, including Swaroopama Chaturvedi, Bar Council of India’s Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, and Supreme Court Bar Association President Adish Aggarwala.
This group, according to the lawyers, is employing pressure tactics to influence judicial outcomes, particularly in cases involving political figures and corruption allegations. These actions, they argue, pose a significant threat to the democratic fabric and the trust placed in judicial processes.
The lawyers highlighted several concerning methods, including the propagation of false narratives about a ‘golden era’ of the judiciary, aimed at discrediting current proceedings and undermining public confidence in the courts. The accusations include ‘bench fixing’, disrespectful comparisons of domestic courts to those in lawless regimes, and direct attacks on judges’ honor.
The letter accused that the tactics employed by the interest group involve selective criticism or praise of court decisions based on their political agenda, described as a “My way or the highway” approach. Concerns have also been raised about political flip-flopping, where politicians alternate between accusing individuals of corruption and defending them in court.
The letter further highlighted, the use of underhanded tactics and the dissemination of false information to influence judicial appointments and outcomes.
The lawyers note the strategic timing of these tactics around election periods, drawing parallels to similar activities in 2018-2019.
Senior members of the bar have requested the Supreme Court to take protective measures against these attacks to maintain the judiciary’s integrity. The letter calls for a united stand in support of the judiciary to ensure it remains a strong pillar of democracy, urging decisive leadership in addressing these challenges.
The development took another dramatic turn as reacting to the concerns raised by over 600 lawyers against a “vested interest group,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday took a dig at Congress and said that “to browbeat and bully others is vintage Congress culture.”
“To browbeat and bully others is vintage Congress culture. 5 decades ago itself they had called for a “committed judiciary” – they shamelessly want commitment from others for their selfish interests but desist from any commitment towards the nation. No wonder 140 crore Indians are rejecting them,” PM Modi posted on X.
But Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Thursday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his criticism of the party over a lawyers’ letter to the Chief Justice of India against a “vested interest group,” saying the PM’s brazenness in orchestrating an assault on the judiciary under the guise of defending it is the “height of hypocrisy.”
Contesting PM Modi’s comment, the Congress leader said that all the Prime Minister has done in the last ten years is divide, distort, divert, and defame. “The PM’s brazenness in orchestrating and coordinating an attack on the judiciary, in the name of defending the judiciary, is the height of hypocrisy! The Supreme Court has delivered body blows to him in recent weeks. The Electoral Bonds Scheme is but one example. The Supreme Court declared them to be unconstitutional – and it is now proved beyond doubt that they were a blatant instrument of fear, blackmail, and intimidation to force companies to donate to the BJP,” Ramesh posted on X.
“Instead of giving a legal guarantee to MSP, the Prime Minister has given a legal guarantee to corruption. All that the Prime Minister has done in the last ten years is divide, distort, divert, and defame. 140 crore Indians are waiting to give him a befitting reply very soon,” he added.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also reacted to PM Modi’s remarks on Judiciary and said that it is not proper form for the PM to comment on our judiciary. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi you are obviously not aware, but it is not proper form for the PM to comment on our judiciary. However, as you consider India’s institutions to be your personal property I have some questions for you,” Kharge stated.
