Lawyers write to CJI against 'vested interest' groups building pressure on judiciary

Group of lawyers write to CJI against 'vested interest group' trying to 'pressure' judiciary

Over 500 prominent lawyers, in a letter to the Chief Justice India DY Chandrachud, have alleged that some groups with vested interests were using pressure tactics to influence judicial outcomes aiming to undermine the judiciary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 28, said in response to the lawyers' letter to the CJI that browbeating and bullying others is "vintage Congress culture".

He wrote on social media, "To browbeat and bully others is vintage Congress culture. Five decades ago 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 are rejecting them."

In the letter, the lawyers said without naming anyone, that, "their pressure tactics are most obvious in political cases, particularly those involving political figures accused of corruption. These tactics are damaging to our courts and threaten our democratic fabric."

It alleged that the vested interest groups use methods such as propagation of false narratives about a "golden era" of judiciary, aimed at discrediting current proceedings and undermining public confidence in the courts.

"They have also concocted an entire theory of bench-fixing, which is not just disrespectful and contemptuous, it's an attack on the honour and dignity of our court," it said. Bench-fixing refers to getting a case heard by a specific bench of a court so that a party gets favourable orders.

The group operates on a clear my way or highway approach. "Any decision they agree with is hailed but any decision they disagree with is trashed, smeared and disregarded. This cherry-picking has been visible in very recent judgments too," it added.

"It is strange to see politicians accuse someone of corruption and then defend them in court. If the court's decision doesn't go their way, they quickly criticise the courts inside the court as well as through media."

The letter alleged that some elements are trying to dictate which judge should hear their case and spread lies on social media to put pressure on the judges to decide cases in their favour. "This threatens the fairness of
our courts and strikes at the heart of our legal principles," the letter said.

The timing of these activities merits a closer scrutiny such tactics are usually done  around the elections. "We are reminded of similar antics in 2018-2019 when they took to their 'hit and run' activities, including fabricating wrong narratives," the letter said.

According to the the lawyers, it would not be appropriate to maintain a dignified silence as such efforts are happening frequently over the last few years.  "Sir, in these tough times, your leadership is crucial. We trust you and all Hon'ble Judges to guide us through these issues and keep our courts strong," the letter said.