On Tuesday, the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, expressed an unconditional apology to the Rajasthan High Court for his recent comments alleging widespread corruption in the judiciary, including in higher judicial institutions.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Augustine George Masih and Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava directed Gehlot to submit his apology in the form of an affidavit, so that it may be further considered. The Court acknowledged the gravity of the matter at hand.
The case has been scheduled for further hearing on November 7, during which the Court is expected to make a decision regarding Gehlot's apology. The Court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that had requested the initiation of contempt of court proceedings against Gehlot for his statements.
According to the plea filed by advocate Shiv Charan Gupta, Gehlot's statements amounted to a deliberate attempt to scandalize the judiciary.
Therefore, he requested the Court to take suo motu cognisance of Gehlot's remarks by invoking its jurisdiction under Article 215 of the Indian Constitution.
On August 30th, Mr. Gehlot made allegations of widespread corruption within the judiciary, claiming that lawyers were writing judgments for judges to pronounce.
He stated, "Today, the corruption taking place within the judiciary is so terrifying. I've heard that a lot of lawyers write judgments and take them along to court, where the same are pronounced," during a media interview.
On September 2nd, the High Court issued a notice to Mr. Gehlot and ordered him to file a response in the contempt case. Advocate Shiv Charan Gupta, who filed the contempt plea, appeared in person before the High Court.
TAGS: Contempt of Court Rajasthan High Court Judiciary Ashok Gehlot
