CJI Surya Kant Condemns Litigant's Father for Calling His Brother Over Court Order
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Wednesday expressed severe displeasure at the conduct of a litigant whose father made a phone call to the CJI's brother, objecting to a judicial order regarding minority reservation for a medical post-graduate course. The incident, described as "shocking" by the CJI, occurred during a Supreme Court hearing.
Case Background: Alleged Fraud in Minority Reservation Claim
The matter involves Nikhil Kumar Punia, born into Haryana's Jaat Puniya community, who sought minority reservation after converting to Buddhism at Uttar Pradesh's Subharti Medical College. On January 28, the Supreme Court, observing that the plea represented a "new type of fraud," had directed an inquiry into the petitioner's minority certificates. This inquiry aimed to scrutinize the legitimacy of the conversion and certification process.
CJI's Strong Reaction to the Phone Call Incident
During the hearing, CJI Surya Kant was infuriated by the revelation of the phone call. He stated, "Nobody dares to do this. And you think I will transfer the case because of this? I have dealt with such elements for the last 23 years." The CJI emphasized the gravity of the situation, questioning why criminal contempt should not be initiated against the litigant's father.
He further remarked, "What he (father) has done, should I disclose in open court? He calls up my brother and asks him how the Chief Justice of India has passed this order. Will he dictate to me?" This statement underscored the CJI's firm stance against any external influence on judicial proceedings.
Court's Admonishment and Legal Implications
Slamming the conduct, the CJI told the advocate representing the litigant, "You verify it (the conduct). As counsel, you should first consider withdrawing. This is sheer misconduct. Even if he is outside India, I know how to deal with such people." The advocate promptly apologized, stating, "I am very sorry, Sir, but I am not aware of all this."
The court adjourned the matter to next week, noting that Haryana had not filed a compliance report regarding the guidelines for issuing minority certificates. This report is crucial to determine whether general category candidates can obtain a minority certificate after claiming conversion to Buddhism, adding another layer to the ongoing investigation into potential fraud.
Broader Context and Judicial Integrity
This incident highlights the Supreme Court's commitment to maintaining judicial integrity and independence. The CJI's strong reaction serves as a reminder that attempts to influence court decisions through personal connections are unacceptable. The case continues to unfold, with the court poised to take strict action if misconduct is confirmed.
