PM Modi reacts to lawyers' letter to CJI Chandrachud
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a response to a letter penned by over 600 lawyers from across India, which was addressed to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud. The legal professionals expressed their concerns about perceived political and professional influences impacting judicial decisions. In his response, posted on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi labeled this as "vintage Congress culture".
Context
Why does this story matter?
The letter was delivered in the wake of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest in an alleged money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped excise policy. Following his arrest, the United States (US) and Germany called for a just and transparent legal process in the trial, which India condemned as interference in others's internal matters. Diplomats of both countries had been summoned by India regarding the matter.
Criticism
PM Modi criticizes "vintage Congress culture"
Modi criticized the Congress party in his response, stating, "To browbeat and bully others is vintage Congress culture." He referred to a time five decades ago when the party had called for a "committed judiciary." The PM accused the Congress of wanting commitment from others for their selfish inter1ests but desisting from any commitment towards the nation. He concluded by saying that 140 crore Indians are rejecting them.
Twitter Post
Read: PM's statement here
To browbeat and bully others is vintage Congress culture.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 28, 2024
5 decades ago itself they had called for a "committed judiciary" - they shamelessly want commitment from others for their selfish interests but desist from any commitment towards the nation.
No wonder 140 crore Indians… https://t.co/dgLjuYONHH
Congress responds
Congress leader retorts to PM Modi's remarks
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh responded to Modi's post on X, calling it "the height of hypocrisy." He asserted that "140 crore Indians are waiting to give him a befitting reply very soon," hinting at the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections set to take place from April to June. "All that the Prime Minister has done in the last ten years is divide, distort, divert, and defame," he added.
Twitter Post
Read: Jairam Ramesh's statement here
The PM's brazenness in orchestrating and coordinating an attack on the judiciary, in the name of defending the judiciary, is the height of hypocrisy!
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) March 28, 2024
The Supreme Court has delivered body blows to him in recent weeks. The Electoral Bonds Scheme is but one example. The Supreme… https://t.co/R00ZRdWa7S
Concerns
Lawyers' letter highlights threat to judiciary
In their letter, the lawyers condemned the "vested interest group" for attempting to manipulate judicial processes, influence court judgments, and damage the judiciary's reputation with false claims. The letter was signed by prominent lawyers such as Harish Salve, Manan Kumar Mishra, Adish Agarwala, Chetan Mittal, Hitesh Jain, Ujjwala Pawar, Uday Holla, and Swaroopama Chaturvedi. In their letter, the legal professionals argue that the group's strategies are a direct attack on the courts' honor and dignity.
Undermining judiciary
Lawyers highlight pressure tactics in politically charged cases
The letter also highlights the group's use of pressure tactics in politically sensitive cases, particularly those involving politicians accused of corruption. The signatories suggest that some lawyers are damaging the judiciary by defending politicians during the day and attempting to influence judges through media at night. They argue that these actions not only harm the courts but also pose a threat to India's democratic fabric.