New Delhi:
The Supreme Court of India on Monday emphasized the need to preserve the decorum and reputation of the judiciary, following allegations made by a parliamentarian targeting Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna.
The bench, comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, made the remarks during a hearing on a PIL filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari regarding hate speeches and violence in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district in the wake of protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act.
🗨️ “Even Allegations Must Uphold Respect” — Supreme Court
Referring to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s controversial comments, Tiwari told the court that the parliamentarian accused the Chief Justice of causing “civil wars” and questioned the court’s role in law-making, suggesting that “Parliament and assemblies should be shut.”
In response, the court advised restraint.
“We should maintain certain decorum and the reputation of the institution, even in making allegations. In an Article 32 petition, the content must remain respectful,” the bench remarked.
The bench allowed Tiwari to amend his petition and submit more concrete evidence.
🧑⚖️ BJP Distances Itself from Dubey’s Comments
In a bid to defuse the tension, BJP President J.P. Nadda clarified that Dubey’s remarks were his personal opinions, not the official stance of the party.
“The BJP respects the judiciary as an inseparable pillar of democracy,” Nadda said.
He also directed party leaders to avoid making such statements in the future.
🔥 Violence in Bengal Over Waqf Act Sparks Legal Scrutiny
Tiwari’s plea describes violent unrest in Murshidabad and North 24 Parganas, triggered by public opposition to the newly-enacted Waqf (Amendment) Act. The unrest, he claimed, resulted in loss of lives and property, worsened by provocative political speeches.
“Some political parties use religious sentiments for electoral gain, rather than promoting peace,” the petition alleges.
🧾 Key Demands in the PIL
- 📜 Formation of a Judicial Enquiry Commission
Led by a retired Supreme Court judge to probe the violence in Murshidabad. - 📛 Crackdown on Hate Speech
Direction to the West Bengal government to take strict action against hate and inflammatory remarks by political leaders. - 🔁 Enforcement of SC’s 2022 Ruling
The plea references the October 21, 2022 Supreme Court order that mandated action against individuals — including public officials — who make hate speeches.
🆕 Fresh Clashes in South 24 Parganas
New violence linked to the Waqf (Amendment) Act erupted in the Bhangar area of South 24 Parganas on April 14, even as police claimed that Murshidabad’s situation had stabilized.
