Supreme Court will not entertain contempt plea against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, but vows to…
The Supreme Court declined to entertain a PIL against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for his comments about the court. Here's what the CJI said
The Supreme Court, on Monday, announced that it would not entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) petition requesting contempt of court action against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Nishikant Dubey for his comments targeting the apex court and Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna.
The bench, comprising CJI Sanjiv Khanna and Justice PV Sanjay Kumar, however, clarified that it would issue a reasoned order on the matter.
"We will issue a brief order with reasons. While we won't entertain it fully, we will provide a short order," CJI Khanna stated, reported Bar and Bench.
The Supreme Court's comments came in response to petitioner Vishal Tiwari's plea, requesting contempt of court action against Nishikant Dubey. He claimed that the BJP MP's interview was replete with derogatory speech towards the judiciary and Supreme Court.
"The dignity of the institution must be safeguarded. It cannot be left unaddressed. Previously, the court took cognizance in the Delhi judicial services case," petitioner Vishal Tiwari argued.
What was the petition against Nishikant Dubey?
On April 20, a letter seeking permission to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey over his remarks against the Supreme Court and the Chief Justice of India (CJI) had been sent to the Attorney General of India.
The letter mentioned Dubey's criticism of the Supreme Court and the swipe he took at CJI Sanjiv Khanna, legal news agency Live Law reported.
"Such acts amounts to an Offence punishable under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and also under Section 15 of the Contempt of Courts Acts, 1971," petitioner Vishal Tiwari argued during the case's hearing.
What were Nishikant Dubey's comments about the CJI?
Nishikant Dubey, during an interview to news agency Asian News International (ANI) had said that CJI Khanna was to blame for “all civil wars in the country”.
The BJP MP made the remarks after the CJI-led bench suggested a stay on the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act.
BJP distances itself from Dubey's remarks
Hours after Dubey's remarks stirred a controversy, the BJP was quick to distance itself from his statements, calling them “personal comments”.
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