Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized what he described as a recurring pattern of intimidation and coercion within the Congress party, in response to over 600 lawyers who penned a letter to Chief Justice of India, alleging external pressures on the judiciary and attempts to tarnish its image.
According to Modi, such tactics of intimidation are emblematic of the “vintage Congress culture,” citing instances from half a century ago where the party advocated for a “committed judiciary.” He accused the Congress of seeking commitments from others for its benefit while neglecting its responsibilities towards the nation.
To browbeat and bully others is vintage Congress culture.
5 decades ago itself they had called for a "committed judiciary" – they shamelessly want commitment from others for their selfish interests but desist from any commitment towards the nation.
No wonder 140 crore Indians… https://t.co/dgLjuYONHH
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 28, 2024
Highlighting widespread public rejection of such behaviour, Modi underscored that 140 crore Indians are distancing themselves from such practices. He made these remarks while referencing a post that shared the lawyers’ letter.
The letter, signed by prominent legal figures including senior advocate Harish Salve and Bar Council chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra, expressed concerns about external pressures on the judiciary, particularly in cases involving political corruption. They emphasized the importance of Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud’s leadership during these challenging times and urged the apex court to maintain its integrity.
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The lawyers criticized certain unnamed colleagues for allegedly defending politicians during the day and attempting to influence judges through the media at night. They stressed the detrimental effects of such actions on the judiciary and the democratic fabric of the nation.
In conclusion, the letter emphasized the need for the judiciary, under the leadership of CJI Chandrachud, to stand firm against external pressures and uphold its independence and integrity.
