Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a scathing attack on the Congress party in response to a letter penned by numerous top lawyers addressed to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, expressing concerns about the integrity of the judiciary.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned what he termed as “vintage Congress behaviour,” accusing them of attempting to intimidate and coerce others. Notable legal figures such as Harish Salve, Manan Kumar Mishra, and Chetan Mittal were among those who raised their voices to the CJI regarding alleged efforts to undermine the judiciary’s credibility.
Highlighting the historical context, PM Modi pointed out that the Congress had previously advocated for a “committed judiciary” five decades ago, revealing what he described as their self-serving agenda. He emphasized that while the Congress demands commitment from others to serve their interests, they fail to demonstrate commitment towards the nation, a contradiction that he believes 1.4 billion Indians are now rejecting.
The letter addressed to CJI Chandrachud, titled ‘Judiciary Under Threat – Safeguarding Judiciary From Political and Professional Pressure,’ underscored concerns about external influences seeking to exert pressure on the Indian judiciary. It did not hesitate to call out a “vested interest group” allegedly attempting to manipulate the judiciary for their own gains, thereby jeopardizing the democratic foundation of the country.
This confrontation comes amidst a broader discourse on the independence and integrity of the judiciary, with more than 600 lawyers, including prominent figures like Harish Salve and Manan Kumar Mishra, underscoring the importance of CJI Chandrachud’s leadership in navigating these challenging times. The lawyers emphasized the need for the apex court to stand firm against attempts to compromise its integrity, rejecting tactics that they deemed detrimental to the courts and the democratic fabric of India.
The lawyers’ letter, issued on March 26, denounced a subset of legal practitioners without directly naming them, alleging that they defend politicians by day and seek to influence judges through media channels at night. This revelation underscores the depth of concern among legal professionals regarding the sanctity and impartiality of the Indian judiciary.
