21 Former Judges Complain to CJI About Efforts to Undermine the Judiciary
New Delhi: In a letter to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, a group of 21 retired judges expressed concern over efforts by a section to weaken the court by “calculated pressure, misinformation, and public disparagement”. In a letter to the CJI, 21 retired judges from Indian High Courts and the Supreme Court expressed their concerns. They also pleaded on the judiciary, headed by the Supreme Court, to protect the integrity and independence of the judicial system by strengthening against such threats.
The former judges, which included retired justices Deepak Verma, Krishna Murari, Dinesh Maheshwari, and M R Shah, accused the critics of using devious tactics and obviously attempting to influence the legal system by disparaging the judges’ and courts’ credibility.
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Attempts Driven by Personal and/or Political Gains
According to the letter, there have been increasing efforts by “certain factions to undermine the judiciary through public disparagement, misinformation, and calculated pressure.” The letter claims that “narrow political interests and personal gains” are the driving forces behind those attempting to subvert the Indian court. The letter implied that the group attempting to weaken the Indian judiciary employs two strategies: first, it disseminates erroneous notions in an effort to damage the judiciary’s image; second, it makes efforts to influence court decisions.
The letter claimed that attempts are being made to undermine public trust in the Indian legal system. “They use a variety of cunning strategies that are obviously intended to influence legal proceedings by disparaging the honesty of our judges and courts. The letter said, “As guardians of the law, judges have sworn to uphold the principles of fairness and impartiality, which are directly challenged by such actions, which also disrespect the sanctity of our judiciary.”
Efforts to Affect Cases of Social and Political Importance
The letter said that efforts of this kind are more obvious in situations of political, social, and economic importance. The letter also pointed out the occasions in which the court is commended when a judgement benefits a certain party while its objectivity is called into doubt when rulings or observations contradict them.
The dissemination of false information and the manipulation of public opinion against the courts are of special concern to us since they are not only immoral but also harmful to the fundamental tenets of our democracy. The letter said that “the practice of vehemently criticising judicial decisions that do not align with one’s views while praising those that do undermines the very essence of judicial review and the rule of law.”
G21 Does Not Come as a Surprise: Congress Reacts
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that the letter from 21 former judges expressing concern was not unexpected. He said that the BJP-led federal government poses the greatest danger to the judiciary.
This G21 is completely expected. The item numbered four is a giveaway. The Modi government, on whose behalf this letter has been released, poses the biggest danger to the judiciary, according to Jairam Ramesh.
This G21 is hardly unexpected. The item numbered four is a giveaway. This letter was released on behalf of the Modi dictatorship, which poses the biggest danger to the judiciary. [t.co/5h4q7jFErF]
