NEW DELHI: Activist Attorney Prashant Bhushan said Monday that it will present the symbolic Re 1 fine imposed by the Supreme Court in the contempt case for his tweets against him judicial, but he also indicated that he would present a request for review against the order.
Bhushan said he has the utmost respect for the institution of the Supreme Court and the judiciary and his tweets were not intended to disrespect the Supreme Court.
“Although I reserve the right to request a review of the conviction and sentence, through an appropriate legal recourse, I intend to submit to this order and pay the fine respectfully, just as I would have subjected myself to any other legal punishment,” he said. after the highest court imposed the fine.
“I have had the utmost respect for the institution of the Supreme Court. I have always believed that it is the last bastion of hope, especially for the weak and oppressed who knock on its door for the protection of their rights, often against a powerful executive” said Bhushan at a press conference of CJAR (Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms) and Swaraj Abhiyan.
He said the tweets were not intended to disrespect the Supreme Court or the judiciary as a whole, but simply expressed his anguish which, in his opinion, “was a departure from his excellent record.”
The issue was never about “me against the judges, much less about me against the Supreme Court,” he said.
A bank headed by Judge Arun Mishra asked Bhushan on Monday to deposit the fine before September 15, otherwise it will attract a three-month jail term and exclusion from the practice of law for three years.
Freedom of expression cannot be restricted, but the rights of others must be respected, said the court, which also includes judges BR Gavai and Krishna Murari, who found him guilty of contempt earlier this month.
Bhushan further said: “When the Supreme Court of India wins, all Indians win. All Indians want a strong and independent judiciary. Obviously, if the courts are weakened, the republic is weakened and all citizens are harmed.” .
“I am extremely grateful and honored for the solidarity and support expressed by countless people, former judges, lawyers, activists and fellow citizens who encouraged me to stand firm and true to my beliefs and conscience.”
He said these people strengthen his hope that this trial can draw the country’s attention to the cause of freedom of expression and judicial accountability and reform.
“What is very encouraging is that this case has become a watershed moment for freedom of expression and seems to have encouraged many people to stand up and speak out against injustices in our society.
“I would be failing in my duty if I do not thank my legal team, especially the top attorneys, Dr. Rajeev Dhavan and Dushyant Dave. I am more confident than ever that the truth will prevail. Long live democracy! Satyameva Jayate!” Bhushan said.
On August 14, the high court found Bhushan guilty of criminal contempt for his two derogatory tweets against the judiciary and held that they cannot be said to be a fair criticism of the functioning of the judiciary made in the public interest.
Earlier, in a statement, Bhushan had refused to offer an apology to the Supreme Court for the tweets, saying that what he had expressed represented his genuine faith that he continued to uphold.
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