New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut to appear before it in person on November 17 in contempt proceedings over remarks concerning Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and the judiciary. The court also directed journalist Nikhil Wagle to appear virtually on the same day.
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A Bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Vipul M Pancholi issued the directions in a contempt case arising from a plea filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA).
“Having regard to the magnitude of the issue involved, we are of the view that R1 [Wagle] shall appear virtually on the next date of hearing... We direct R2 [Raut] to be present physically before this court on the next date of hearing,” the Bench ordered, as reported by Bar and Bench.
In response to the development, Raut told PTI he would appear in court as directed. He said he was not fully aware of what transpired during the hearing as his lawyers were not present.
On October 16, the apex court had issued show-cause notices to Raut and Wagle over their remarks. The court had initially exempted them from personal appearance, saying it would first consider their explanations.
During the earlier hearing, CJI Surya Kant expressed concern over criticism of the judiciary by people who had previously approached courts seeking protection of their rights.
“When personal liberty or any rights are jeopardised, each one of them has, in the past also, come to the Court seeking rescue. Probably the courts have never lagged behind in protecting those rights. And if the same people condemn, criticise, take the courts left and right, it is very unfortunate.
"Very, very unfortunate... May better sense prevail. We can only pray,” the CJI had observed, according to Bar and Bench.
(With agency inputs from PTI)
