The Supreme Court will hear on October 27 the contempt case against advocate Rakesh Kishore, who threw a shoe at Chief Justice B R Gavai during a court session earlier this month. The incident has raised questions about courtroom decorum.
Alt-News co-founder Mohammed Zubair’s plea against an FIR related to his tweet about Yati Narsinghanand was mistakenly heard by a recused judge. His legal team highlighted the error, prompting reassignment to a new bench. The case raises important questions regarding judicial procedures and media freedom in India amid tensions over communal remarks.
In an exclusive interview, outgoing Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud discussed the balance between regulating hate speech and preserving free expression. He defended India’s reservation system for promoting equality, emphasized the judiciary’s role in democracy, and underscored the importance of fair compensation for judges, acknowledging his contributions to rights and transparency during his tenure.
Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, retiring on November 10, clarified that judicial independence does not mean always opposing the government. He criticized pressure groups that demand favorable rulings, emphasizing that true independence requires judges to make unbiased decisions based on law and constitution, resisting manipulation in today’s media-driven society.
Some High Court judges start late and end early despite scheduled timings, as lamented by Justice BR Gavai. He also highlighted the importance of judicial punctuality, respect towards lawyers, and cautioned against judges lobbying for elevation. Concerns were raised about misrepresentation of judicial statements and summoning government officials unnecessarily.
