Nupur Sharma Case: Contempt case will not run on criticism of judges, Attorney General refuses to consent

Contempt proceedings against former judges for criticizing the observations made by the Supreme Court in the suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma case will not run. When the Supreme Court sought the consent of Attorney General KK Venugopal for the contempt case, he refused it.

Let us tell you, in the past, the Supreme Court had made very harsh oral comments on Nupur Sharma's petition. The Supreme Court was criticized by former Delhi High Court judge SN Dhingra, former Additional Solicitor General Aman Lekhi, senior advocate KR Kumar and others for these remarks.

AG Venugopal said that the criticism made by the said people was fair. His statements were not derogatory nor were they intended to interfere with the judicial process. The Supreme Court has held in several judgments that fair and just criticism of judicial proceedings will not amount to contempt of court. They are not satisfied whether the criticism made by the above three persons is malicious or is a deliberate attempt to malign the judiciary. Advocate CR Jaya Sukin, in a letter, had sought the consent of the Attorney General to initiate criminal contempt of court against Justices Dhingra, Aman Lekhi, and senior advocate Ram Kumar.

Let us tell you, that cases have been registered against Nupur Sharma in many states for alleged controversial remarks against Prophet Mohammad. Nupur had appealed to the Supreme Court that all the cases be transferred to Delhi as there is a threat to her life. On this, the Supreme Court, taking a strong stand regarding the whole matter, made harsh comments against Nupur. The top court, while dismissing Nupur's petition, held her responsible for the uproar across the country.

Nupur's lawyer Maninder Singh had told the Supreme Court that his client's life was in danger. On this, Justice Surya Kant said that she is in danger or has she become a threat to security? The way she has instigated sentiments in the entire country, she is the only one responsible for what is happening in the country. The Supreme Court also said that it was too late for Nupur Sharma to apologize and withdraw the statement. He should come on TV and apologize to the country. Nupur Sharma made the alleged remarks against the Prophet during a news channel debate. After this, the BJP suspended him from the party.