The lawyers also drew attention to several concerning tactics, such as the spread of false narratives about a so-called "golden era" of the judiciary.......
Digital desk: The letter to Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud expressed concern over attempts to compromise the judiciary's integrity amid the ongoing hearings surrounding Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest. It further stated that the antics of the interest group are destroying the atmosphere of harmony and trust that underpins the judiciary's operation.
Prominent lawyers Harish Salve, Manan Kumar Mishra, Adish Agarwala, Chetan Mittal, Pinky Anand, Hitesh Jain, Ujjwala Pawar, Uday Holla, and Swaroopama Chaturvedi have all signed the letter, which is dated March 26.
The lawyers expressed their concerns about attempts by a "vested interest group" to influence the judiciary in a letter to the Supreme Court Chief Justice. The group is using pressure tactics, according to the lawyers, to influence court decisions, especially in instances involving political leaders and accusations of corruption. They contend that these acts seriously jeopardize the foundation of democracy and public confidence in the legal system.
The lawyers also drew attention to several concerning tactics, such as the spread of false narratives about a so-called "golden era" of the judiciary, which are meant to weaken public trust in the legal system and discredit contemporary procedures.
"It's troubling to see some lawyers defend politicians by the day, and then try to influence judges through the media at night. Implying that the courts in the past were easier to influence shakes the public's trust in them," the letter to CJI read.
The group of lawyers highlighted that certain tactics are used to praise or criticize court decisions based on political considerations, explaining this as a "my way or the highway" approach. "There is a clear "My way or the highway" approach at work - any decision they agree with is hailed but any decision: they-·disagree with is trashed, smeared, and disregarded. This cherry picking has been visible in very recent judgments too," they said.
The letter highlighted that the group was promoting an entire theory of "bench fixing". "They have also concocted an entire theory of 'bench fixing' - which is not just disrespectful and contemptuous - it's an attack on the honor and dignity of our courts. At times, it also leads to slanderous attacks and insinuations on respected judges. They have also stooped to the level of comparing our courts to those countries where there is no rule of law and accusing our judicial institutions of unfair practices. These aren't just criticisms; they are direct attacks meant to damage the public's trust in our judiciary and threaten the fair application of our laws," they said.
They also expressed concerns over political flip-flopping and said, "It is strange to see politicians accuse someone of corruption and then defend them in court. If the court's decision doesn't go their way, they quickly criticize the courts inside the court as well as through the media. This two-faced behavior is harmful to the respect a common man should have for our legal system."
The letter concludes by pleading with the Supreme Court to take action against attempts to mock and control the judiciary for political and personal benefit. It mentioned, "Staying silent or doing nothing could accidentally give more power to those who mean to harm. This is not the time to maintain dignified silence as such efforts have been happening for few years and too frequently."
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