'Highly objectionable': 103 eminent citizens take on lobby backing Prashant Bhushan

On Wednesday, a group of concerned citizens including 15 retired judges, 46 former bureaucrats, 20 Armed Forces veterans, and 22 intellectuals slammed people condemning Supreme Court's verdict on senior vocate Prashant Bhushan's tweets. apex court on August 14 held Bhushan guilty of contempt of court and is set to hear arguments on quantum of sentence to be awarded to him on Thursday. aforesaid group of citizens expressed deep concern at attempt of some people to suggest that apex court is muzzling criticism of justice delivery system.

Taking on Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms (CJAR) and ors for being critical of top court, y contended that former used every opportunity to strike at roots of Indian democratic institutions such as Parliament, Election Commission of India and SC. Maintaining that this was t Bhushan's first inflammatory utterance, group of concerned citizens observed that contempt of court cant be justified by any pressure group. Stressing that legal profession is a solemn and serious occupation, group concluded that violation of principles of professional ethics by an vocate is unacceptable.

Re: 'Malicious And Intimidatory': SC Slams Bhushan's Tweets, Holds Him Guilty Of Contempt

Here is full statement: 

List of signatories: 

Re: Owaisi Reminds Of 28-year-old Babri Masjid Case As SC Holds Prashant Bhushan Guilty

SC verdict

A three-judge SC bench comprising Justice Arun Mishra, BR Gavai and Krishna Murari analysed two tweets posted by Prashant Bhushan on June 27 and July 22. While one tweet pertained to functioning of judiciary in last 6 years, or was a comment on CJI SA Bobde. bench held that senior vocate h attempted to scandalise entire institution of judiciary.

According to apex court, tweets based on distorted facts amount to committing criminal contempt. It observed that Bhushan's tweets cant be considered a fair criticism of judiciary's functioning. On or hand, it discharged tice issued to Twitter Inc after accepting company's explanation and ackwledging fact that y h suspended both tweets. Earlier in day, Prashant Bhushan moved top court seeking a deferment of hearing on sentence until a review petition is filed and considered.

Re: SC Pulls Up Prashant Bhushan & Twitter For Alleged Derogatory Tweets Against Judiciary