The Supreme Court today pulled up advocate Prashant Bhushan for making “disturbing” remarks against the Bench hearing the coal case, but later on accepted his apology.
A three-judge Bench headed by Justice R.M. Lodha, which listed the case for today only for the purpose of taking cognisance of Bhushan’s statements published in a news magazine, expressed its anger and displeasure over the remarks, saying they were uncalled for.
The Bench also comprising justices Madan B. Lokur and Kurian Joseph, however, refused to proceed against Bhushan any further after he apologised for his remarks and turned down the plea made by other lawyers involved in the coal case to take action against him for his contemptuous remarks.
In an interview with a news magazine, Bhushan had raised questions on why the Bench did not take any action against Attorney General Goolam E. Vahanvati after it was found that the AG allegedly lied to the court by saying he did not go through the CBI affidavit before it was filed in the apex court.
Taking strong exception to the statement, the Bench said, “We got very disturbed when it was brought to our notice and listed the case for today.”
The apex court said judges hear and decide cases fearlessly and favourlessly and fingers should not be raised questioning their conduct.
“Judges never lag behind in passing order when justice demands.If we cannot act fearlessly, without ill-will and without favour, then who will?,” it said.
At the same time, the Bench said, “It is not our task to keep everybody happy.”