The Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered suo motu criminal contempt proceedings against BJP MLA Sanjay Pathak for allegedly contacting a judge over a pending case. The bench found prima facie contempt, directing registry action and listing the matter for hearing next week.
AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj has urged the CJI to take suo motu contempt action against Delhi CM Rekha Gupta over her alleged “set judge” remark. He claimed the statement attempts to defame the judiciary and weaken public trust in the courts.
The Delhi High Court said setting aside a lower court order does not question a judge’s integrity, with Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma making the remark while hearing an additional sessions judge’s plea seeking deletion of adverse observations.
Former Supreme Court judge Justice Abhay S Oka said judges are guided only by the Constitution and law, rejecting any ‘divine’ or external influence in delivering verdicts. He stressed that every judicial decision must strictly stand the test of constitutional principles and legal reasoning.
Jamiat President Maulana Mahmood Madani criticised recent top court rulings, saying the judiciary is working under government pressure. He claimed the Supreme Court has failed to uphold constitutional values in cases like Babri Masjid and triple talaq.
CJI Surya Kant said the Kesavananda Bharati ruling is a powerful affirmation of India’s commitment to constitutionalism and the rule of law. He called the basic structure doctrine the guiding conscience that protects Indian democracy.
CJI Surya Kant said that ‘imaandari’ or integrity is not just an ornament but the discipline that sustains justice and reputation. He urged law students to make integrity the basic structure of their character.
CJI BR Gavai said the collegium system has made India’s judiciary strong and free from interference, rejecting the claim that judges appoint themselves. He credited Dr BR Ambedkar’s Constitution for preserving India’s unity and democratic values.
Justice AS Oka emphasized the ongoing threats to judicial independence in India during the Justice H.R. Khanna Memorial Lecture. He criticized delays in judicial appointments as damaging and demoralizing, urging judges and lawyers to remain vigilant. Oka highlighted historical instances of judicial integrity and encouraged future legal professionals to prioritize constitutional values over recognition.
During his felicitation event in Amravati, his hometown, CJI B R Gavai spoke about the importance of the Constitution after becoming the 52nd Chief Justice of India: “Constitution of India is supreme, all three wings of democracy work under it.”
