National Desk, 28th March: Over 600 lawyers, including eminent names like Harish Salve, Manan Kumar Mishra, and Pinky Anand, have jointly penned a letter addressed to the Chief Justice of India (CJI), expressing grave concerns about perceived attempts to undermine the integrity of the judiciary.
In the letter dated March 26, 2024, the lawyers voiced apprehension over what they view as a concerted effort by vested interest groups to exert undue pressure on the judiciary, influence legal proceedings, and tarnish the reputation of the courts through unfounded allegations and political motivations.
Of particular concern to the lawyers is the observed pattern of creating false narratives, attempting to sway court decisions, and launching slanderous attacks on judges via various media platforms, especially in cases involving political figures accused of corruption.
The propagation of the theory of ‘bench-fixing’ was vehemently denounced by the lawyers as not only disrespectful but also detrimental to the honor and dignity of the courts. They expressed dismay at comparisons drawn between Indian judicial institutions and those in countries lacking the rule of law, viewing such assertions as deliberate attempts to erode public trust in the judiciary.
The lawyers criticized what they termed a “my way or the highway” approach, where decisions favorable to certain groups are applauded while those unfavorable are vehemently condemned, thereby undermining the impartiality and independence of the judiciary.
Instances of political flip-flopping by certain politicians and the dissemination of false information to influence judicial outcomes were also highlighted by the lawyers, who underscored the timing of such attacks, often coinciding with election periods.
Urging the Supreme Court to take decisive action to safeguard the judiciary from such attacks, the lawyers emphasized the importance of standing up against underhanded tactics and ensuring the resilience of the courts as pillars of democracy.
The Rajasthan High Court Lawyer Association, Jodhpur, endorsed the letter, expressing solidarity with the initiative to protect the judiciary from undue influence and safeguard its essential role in upholding the rule of law.
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