A major political row erupted on Monday after the Congress demanded the resignation of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant over his remarks regarding the recent protests in the national capital. The row broke out after the CJI described the protests and related restrictions as a "law-and-order issue" that falls outside his domain.
Congress Questions CJI's Role
The Congress Kerala unit criticised the CJI's remarks on social media, arguing that if law and order was not his domain, he should resign.
"Dear Surya Kant, if law and order is not your domain, resign now. We will find your replacement who can handle it," Congress Kerala Unit wrote in a post on X.
However, the post was deleted later.
BJP Hits Back At Congress
Responding to the post, the BJP Kerala unit referenced the Emergency and accused the Congress of attempting to intimidate the judiciary.
"Don’t think your so-called ‘Iron Lady’ still rules India. The days when you could intimidate the judiciary during the Emergency are long gone. This is New India under Narendra Modi Ji. Now shut up and get lost," BJP Kerala Unit wrote on X.
"Completely Incorrect": Pawan Khera
Congress MP Pawan Khera said, "We completely disagree with this position, whoever has done it. It is completely incorrect. We have absolute faith in the judiciary of this country and respect the highest court. That is exactly why we went to the doorstep of the highest court and knocked on its door because of the confidence we have in the judiciary."
SCBA Condemns Remark
Condemning remarks seeking the resignation of the CJI, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) said that such remarks undermine the institution of the judiciary and seek to interfere with the administration of justice.
"Statements of this nature belittle the institution of the judiciary and amounts to an attempt to interfere with the administration of justice," the SCBA said, while emphasising that every person has the right to approach courts and seek remedies in accordance with law. The SCBA also called upon its members and others to maintain the "dignity and decorum" of the Supreme Court of India.
What CJI Surya Kant Said on Delhi Protests
The exchange followed remarks by CJI Surya Kant on Monday about the protests and related restrictions in Delhi.
Speaking at an event marking the 33rd anniversary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Delhi, Kant said, "Ye law and order ka mudda hai. Ye mera vishay nahin hai." (This is a law-and-order issue. It is not my domain.)
CJI Responds To INDIA Bloc Meeting Request
The CJI also addressed a request from the INDIA bloc seeking a meeting over the ongoing electoral roll controversy. Kant said he had received their request and sent a response explaining why he could not meet the leaders, noting that the matter is sub judice before the Supreme Court.
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He advised the Opposition to use the judicial process and file a petition.
"Supreme Court’s doors are open to everyone," Kant said.
He also pointed out that matters concerning similar issues were scheduled for hearing on October 13.
(With Inputs From Agencies)