Lawyer Anas Tanveer has submitted an application to the Attorney General's office to initiate contempt of court proceedings against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. Recently, Dubey has made certain comments against the Supreme Court and Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, alleging bias against a particular community.
Attorney General’s consent is a prerequisite for filing a contempt petition in the Supreme Court. The lawyer has formally requested AG's consent to proceed with criminal contempt charges against Nishikant Dubey.
What did Tanveer write in the letter?
In his letter, Tanveer mentions that Dubey's public statements are exceptionally condemnable and misleading, aimed at undermining the dignity and authority of the Supreme Court. The letter asserts that Dubey’s remarks are not only factually incorrect but also intended to tarnish the Supreme Court’s image and reputation. By making such statements, he seeks to erode public trust in the judiciary. His ultimate goal appears to be inciting communal distrust in judicial impartiality. These acts clearly constitute criminal contempt as defined under Section 2(c)(i) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
'The Statement is Dangerously Provocative'
In reference to the statement against the CJI, Dubey's comments are described as not only highly offensive but dangerously incendiary as well. The potential for causing national unrest and blaming the Chief Justice for such situations is recklessly implied. His actions are viewed as an attempt to taint the reputation of the nation's highest judicial office and instigate distrust, anger, and unrest among the populace.
The letter notes that such baseless allegations represent a severe attack on the judiciary's integrity and independence, necessitating immediate and exemplary legal scrutiny under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
