Chowkidar chor hai remark: SC scolds Rahul Gandhi, demands apology
Coming down heavily on Congress President Rahul Gandhi, the Supreme Court on Tuesday said he should apologize for falsely attributing the "Chowkidar Chor Hai" remark to the top court. The bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, was hearing a petition filed by BJP MP Meenakshi Lekhi. Rahul was represented in the court by Abhishek Manu Singhvi. Here's what happened.
Backstory: While slamming PM Modi, Rahul went too far
Referring to the April 10 order, in which the top court agreed to look into documents leaked in media while reviewing its order on Rafale deal, Rahul said in Amethi that the entire country agreed with "Chowkidar Chor Hai" sentiment. He thanked SC for accepting what he had been saying for months about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Subsequently, Lekhi told SC Rahul misquoted them.
In both affidavits, Rahul expressed regret
Rahul filed two affidavits, the word "regret" being common in both of them, but failed to satisfy the bench. He claimed his opponents also bent SC orders for their benefit. However, Lekhi's lawyer Mukul Rohtagi pointed out that regret and apology were different in the eyes of law. While SC refused to put the matter to bed, it exempted Rahul from making a personal appearance.
Rohatgi told court Rahul was just doing lip-service
On Tuesday, Rohatgi claimed Rahul's affidavits were not consistent. "Somewhere he denies the statement, somewhere he says he had not analyzed the order," Rohatgi said. He said Rahul was just doing lip-service by asking why no action was initiated against other leaders. "There should be an unconditional apology. It is as clear as daylight. This is contempt," he added.
Singhvi claimed Rahul's affidavits have been clear
Rohatgi suggested that Rahul's affidavit should be rejected. When CJI Gogoi asked, "What is reject his affidavit", Rohtagi said, "I meant to reject his excuses". In Rahul's defense, Singhvi said there are no contradictions in the affidavits, as claimed by Lekhi's counsel. He said Rahul accepted that he wrongly attributed the statement and apologized for the same. But SC remained unimpressed.
Won't give another chance, SC told Rahul
The bench asked Singhvi to point out where was "apology" written in the affidavits. CJI Gogoi also asked what was the meaning of writing "regret" in brackets. Thereafter, Singhvi claimed regret and apology were the same and SC fumed. The bench allowed Rahul to file another affidavit by Monday and demanded an apology from him. SC clarified he won't be given another chance.
