The Supreme Court on Friday issued contempt notices to Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and journalist Nikhil Waghle, asking why criminal contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them for their alleged remarks against Chief Justice of India Surya Kant over his refusal to meet an Opposition delegation led by Rahul Gandhi.
The CJI had on October 12 declined to meet the delegation of Opposition leaders who wanted to apprise him of the alleged unilateral, arbitrary and unconstitutional SIR-related decisions taken by chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The CJI had cited judicial propriety for declining the meeting as the matter was being heard by the top court on the judicial side.
Raut had later told the media that judges often attend functions organised by the ruling party and dine with them, but had reservations over meeting an Opposition delegation. Waghle, too, is said to have made some denigrating comments, prompting the Supreme Court Bar Association to file a contempt petition.
“Issue notice to show cause as to why criminal contempt proceedings be not initiated… However, the presence of the alleged contemnors shall remain exempted. Post this matter on October 28 before appropriate bench after obtaining necessary orders from the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India,” CJI Kant said.
Rahul hearing
The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear an application alleging that Rahul Gandhi had pushed a three-month pregnant journalist on the court's premises on October 12.