Supreme Court Declines Plea for Mandatory Guidelines Targeting Public Officials
The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday declined to entertain a petition that sought mandatory guidelines for public officials and political leaders. The plea had specifically cited alleged discriminatory remarks made by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Court Questions Neutrality of Petition
A three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, raised concerns about the neutrality of the petition. While acknowledging the eminence of the petitioners—former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung and Professor Roop Rekha Verma—the Court observed that the plea appeared to target specific individuals while conveniently ignoring others.
"The petitioners are eminent persons. We respect them. Ask the petitioners not to target any particular individual. Only selected individuals. Others very conveniently ignored. It is not fair," CJI Kant stated, as quoted by ANI.
Suggestions for Uniform Code of Conduct
The apex court suggested the framing of a mandatory code of conduct for 'public figures' that would be similar to the extensive regulations already applicable to 'public servants.' The bench emphasized the importance of constitutional morality, values, and mutual respect across all political parties.
"We would like to impress upon all political parties the importance of constitutional morality, values, and mutual respect. These principles must be applied uniformly across the board, that is what we expect. When it comes to public figures and public servants, the position is different. For public servants, there is a wealth of laws, rules and mandates that govern conduct, everything is already in place. Some similar code of conduct," CJI Kant added.
Petition Withdrawn for Comprehensive Revision
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioners, sought permission to withdraw the petition. He submitted that he would return with a more comprehensive plea addressing the broader issue of conduct guidelines for public officials.
Context of Recent Controversies
This development follows a recent controversy involving the Bharatiya Janata Party's Assam unit, which posted a video on social media platform X showing Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma purportedly aiming a rifle at two individuals—one wearing a skullcap and another with a beard. The video was later deleted after facing significant public backlash.
Just one day prior to this hearing, the Supreme Court had refused a separate plea for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into this specific incident. The bench directed the petitioners to approach the Gauhati High Court instead, expressing concern over a "disturbing trend" of bypassing High Courts and approaching the Supreme Court directly, particularly during election cycles.
"This is a disturbing trend that every matter ends up here. We have already deprived High Courts of environmental and commercial litigations," the bench remarked, highlighting the need for proper judicial hierarchy and procedure.
