“600 Prominent Lawyers, including Harish Salve, Manan Mishra, and Adish Agarwala, Address Concerns to CJI Regarding Pressure on Judiciary Ahead of Elections”
On March 28, 2024, a group of 600 prominent lawyers, comprising individuals such as Harish Salve, Manan Kumar Mishra, Adish Agarwala, Chetan Mittal, Pinky Anand, Hitesh Jain, Ujjwala Pawar, Uday Holla, Swaroopama Chaturvedi, and others, penned a letter to the Chief Justice of India expressing apprehensions about efforts aimed at compromising the integrity of the Judiciary in the country.
The letter underscored grave concerns regarding a vested interest group endeavouring to exert pressure on the Judiciary, manipulate the judicial process, and discredit the courts based on outdated political agendas and unsubstantiated claims. It highlighted the fabrication of a false narrative portraying a supposed “better past” and “golden period of the courts” to contrast with the present scenario, thereby eroding the trust and harmony within the Judiciary. Particularly troubling were the tactics employed by this group in political cases, especially those involving allegations of corruption against political figures, which posed a significant threat to the democratic foundations of the nation.
Furthermore, deliberate attempts were made to influence court decisions and tarnish the reputation of the judiciary for political gain. The letter expressed concern over certain lawyers defending politicians during the day and attempting to sway judges through media channels at night. Additionally, it raised concerns regarding the propagation of the theory of “bench fixing,” leading to unwarranted attacks and insinuations against judges.
The lawyers called for a thorough examination of the actions of this group, noting their strategic timing during national elections, including the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, reminiscent of similar attempts during the 2019 General Elections. They urged the Supreme Court to remain steadfast and take measures to shield the judiciary from such assaults, emphasizing the indispensable leadership of the Chief Justice during these trying times.
In response to the letter, Gaurav Bhatia, a BJP leader and senior advocate of the Supreme Court, highlighted the troubling pressure exerted by advocates affiliated with opposition parties on the Judiciary. He voiced his support for the letter, considering it a reflection of public sentiment and emphasizing the imperative of judicial independence and integrity.
