Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has submitted an “unconditional apology” to the Rajasthan High Court for his earlier comments suggesting “rampant corruption” within the judiciary. This move comes in response to a petition initiated by an advocate, which was triggered by Gehlot’s remarks made on August 30, causing significant uproar within the legal community.
During a press interaction, Gehlot had insinuated that some judges were pronouncing judgments that were pre-drafted by lawyers. He stated,
“Corruption is rampant in the judiciary today. I have heard that some lawyers themselves take the judgement in writing and the same judgement is pronounced.”
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Augustine George Masih and Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava, has scheduled the next hearing on this matter for November 7. The court will then likely decide on the acceptance of Gehlot’s apology.
In his affidavit, Gehlot emphasized his deep respect for the law and the judiciary. He mentioned,
“The answering respondent submits that he has the utmost regard for the majesty of law and the judiciary. He has not knowingly or unknowingly made any statement to undermine the dignity of law or courts. The answering respondent has full faith in judiciary.”
However, if the court perceives that his statement attempted to diminish the judiciary’s dignity among the public, Gehlot’s affidavit offers an “unconditional apology” for the same. The affidavit further elaborates on Gehlot’s concerns, citing that he has been informed about corruption in the judiciary by various individuals, including former Supreme Court judges. The document also mentions that members of the public have approached him with grievances, pointing out “corrupt practices” within the judicial system.
Following Gehlot’s controversial remark, lawyers from the high court and lower courts in Jodhpur had staged a day-long strike in protest. Subsequently, Gehlot clarified that his comments did not represent his “personal opinion.”
