Justice DY Chandrachud, one of the Supreme Court justices who heard Republic TV editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami’s request for bail on Wednesday, said that trying cases is “my life” and “I love it.”
He made the comments while responding to the statement by Goswami’s lead attorney and attorney Harish Salve, who said it was the “worst way” to spend the birthday.
“No no! Actually, this is the best way to spend it. I’m in court judging and it’s my life, I love it,” Judge Chandrachud said.
The judge turned 61 on Wednesday. He thanked all the lawyers who wished him.
Justice Chandrachud would become the Chief Justice of India on November 9, 2022, and would remain in office until November 10, 2024.
Meanwhile, Goswami received bail from the Supreme Court which emphasized protecting personal freedom. The higher court said: “If the state is targeting people, they must realize that the higher court is there to protect them.” He also asked the higher courts not to fall short in the exercise of constitutional duties in the protection of “personal liberty.”
“We must send a message to the Supreme Court today that please exercise your jurisdiction to defend personal liberty,” said the Supreme Court vacation court.
The hearing on Goswami’s plea lasted throughout the day.
Following the order of the Supreme Court, Goswami was released from Taloja Jail near Mumbai at 8:30 pm. He then drove to Republic TV’s Lower Parel studio and criticized Maharashtra’s chief minister, Uddhav Thackeray, for arresting him in a “bogus” case.
“Uddhav Thackeray, listen to me. You lost. You have been defeated, ”said Goswami (47), while he was surrounded by colleagues from his television channel who were visibly relieved.
Goswami also singled out Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh for his “illegal” arrest on November 4 in a 2018 suicide complicity case.
(With inputs from agencies)
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