NEW DELHI: The Congress on Monday expressed disagreement with a social media post by its Keralam unit on Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, with party MP and spokesperson Pawan Khera saying the Congress has "absolute faith in judiciary.
"The party also removed the individual responsible for the post from their position.Also Read | ‘Dear Surya Kant ... ’: Congress Keralam unit’s post asking CJI to 'resign' draws BJP fireThe post, which has since been deleted, addressed the CJI by name and called on him to "resign." It was in response to the CJI's remark, as quoted by PTI, that law and order did not fall within his domain. The CJI was referring to the unprecedented security restrictions imposed by Delhi Police amid ongoing protests in the national capital demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
"We completely disagree with this position, whoever has done it. It is completely incorrect. We have absolute faith in the judiciary of this country and respect the highest court. That is exactly why we went to the doorstep of the highest court and knocked on its door because of the confidence we have in the judiciary," Khera told ANI.
Meanwhile, Keralam Congress president Sunny Joseph said the post was published without its knowledge.
"The person responsible for an objectionable post against Supreme Court Chief Justice Surya Kant on the party’s official X account has been removed from the position. The post was published without the knowledge, consent or consultation of the KPCC leadership. The KPCC will examine the circumstances under which the post was published. The Congress party has no disagreement with the impartiality of the judiciary.
Social media posts expressing views contrary to this position do not reflect the stand of the KPCC leadership."
The BJP, meanwhile, criticised the Congress, accusing the opposition party of being “anarchist.”“Anarchist Congress! This is a big insult to Constitution of India! Congress is threatening Chief Justice of India! Congress thinks Gandhi Vadra Parivar is above the Constitution! Congress hates Indian democracy & independent Constitution bodies!” BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari posted on X.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey wrote: "After the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Chief Election Commissioner, now Maharaja @RahuGandhi ji has demanded the resignation of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court as well. According to sources, after this resignation, Rahul Gandhi ji will become Prime Minister, Sharjeel Imam President, Abhijeet Deepke Vice President, Priyanka Gandhi ji Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and Khalistani Pannu Chief Election Commissioner.
Soros will be India's ambassador in America."
This came after leaders of the Congress-led opposition INDIA bloc moved the Supreme Court against the Election Commission (EC), naming the poll body, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi as respondents.The petition was filed after the Chief Justice of India declined the opposition’s request for a meeting to submit a representation on alleged “vote chori” (vote theft) by the EC for the ruling BJP.
CJI Kant later explained, “I received a letter yesterday (Sunday) regarding a meeting request, and I responded to it last night, outlining the reasons why I will be unable to meet.”“The Supreme Court's doors are open to everyone. Any petition from any common citizen or member of an elected body is welcome. Every Indian citizen has the right to approach the court, and we will hear their concerns and grant whatever is due under the law,” he added.
SCBA condemns Keralam Congress post
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) condemned the Keralam Congress' post, saying such remarks "undermine the judiciary and amount to interference in the administration of justice."
“Statements of this nature belittle the institution of the judiciary and amount to an attempt to interfere with the administration of justice,” the SCBA said. It emphasised that every individual has the right to approach the courts and seek legal remedies, while urging its members and others to uphold the “dignity and decorum” of the Supreme Court of India.