The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it will hear next week a contempt plea filed against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for his controversial remarks blaming Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna for “civil wars” in the country. The matter was brought before a Bench comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih by a lawyer who highlighted that the Attorney General had not responded to the request for sanction to initiate contempt proceedings.
“The remark is viral. Dubey says CJI responsible for civil wars. No reply from Attorney (General),” the lawyer said, prompting Justice Gavai to respond, “List it next week.”
Dubey had sharply criticized the judiciary, claiming that if the Supreme Court continues to frame laws, then Parliament and state assemblies might as well be shut down. His comments came after the Centre assured the court that it would hold off on implementing controversial provisions of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, following judicial scrutiny.
The BJP was quick to distance itself from Dubey’s explosive comments. Party president J.P. Nadda called the statements personal opinions and reiterated the BJP’s “utmost respect for the judiciary,” instructing party leaders to refrain from such remarks in the future.
