The Supreme Court on Wednesday asserted that it was “not sitting in ivory towers” while issuing notice on petitions seeking criminal contempt proceedings and regulations against political protests near court premises.
The pleas follow an Oct 12 march toward the apex court led by prominent opposition figures, including Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and TMC MP Mahua Moitra.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi heard the matter concerning the demonstration, which was organised over grievances regarding the Election Commission of India and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The march occurred after the CJI declined a meeting with opposition leaders, noting that the underlying issues were already pending before the court.
During proceedings, senior advocate Gaurav Bhatia submitted that over 200 lawyers had signed a memorandum expressing concern over political attempts to “browbeat” the judiciary. Responding firmly, CJI Surya Kant stated, “Nobody can browbeat us.”
The petitioners have requested the top court to frame guidelines restricting rallies and processions in the vicinity of court campuses across the country to preserve judicial independence and decorum.
