The petition also states that alleging corruption and bias against judges is prohibited under Articles 121 and 211 of the Constitution of India.
A petition had been filed in Supreme Court against Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy seeking direction to refrain him from making public statements or holding press conference to malign the Supreme Court and its judges.
At first instance the Principal Advisor to the Andhra CM held a press conference on 10th October revealing the letter that was addressed to the Chief Justice of India SA Bobde making allegation of bias and judicial impropriety against a sitting judge of Supreme Court.
The petition states that:
“In the society of today, where the discussion in the media and on social media can go wild within days or within hours, it can affect the image of the judiciary and hence the confidence of the general public in the judiciary.”
The petition also states that alleging corruption and bias against judges is prohibited under Articles 121 and 211 of the Constitution of India.
“mandated by the Constitution that no discussion shall take place in Parliament or in state legislature with respect to the conduct of any judge of Supreme Court or the High Court in the discharge of his duty.”
Further it is averred that freedom of speech and expression that is guaranteed under 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India is subject to reasonable restrictions in relation to contempt of courts and defamation.
“In the society of today, where the discussion in the media and on social media can go wild within days or within hours, it can affect the image of judiciary and hence the confidence of the general public in the judiciary.”
The petition further stipulates that the Chief Minister is under oath and allegiance of the Constitution and is bound to by it to respect judiciary. Also the petitioner called the incident “unprecedented” and states that:
“relationship between the three branches of the government should be one of respect, each recognizing and respecting the proper role of the others“
The petition further prays for a show-cause notice to be issued to CM Reddy as to why action should not be taken against him.
On 11th October YS Jaganmohan Reddy, The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh wrote a complaint to the CJI, SA Bobde, alleging that some High Court judges are protecting the interests of the major opposition party in the State.
