New Delhi: Lawyer-activist Prashant Bhushan has said that he will "respectfully pay the fine" after the Supreme Court been fined him Re 1 for his tweets criticising the Chief Justice of India SA Bobde.
Mr Bhushan, 63, has been asked to pay the fine by September 15, failing which he will be sentenced to three months in jail or he cannot work as a lawyer for three years.
Earlier this month, the 63-year-old was found guilty of contempt by the top court, which sought an unconditional apology from the lawyer-activist. Mr Bhushan, however, refused to retract or apologise, maintaining that it would be contempt of his conscience and the court.
His lawyer has argued that that the court must and should take extreme criticism as its "shoulders are broad enough". Attorney General KK Venugopal has also argued against punishment. Maintaining that the judges cannot "go to press to defend themselves or explain," the court cited Mr Bhushan's high standing within the legal system. "Had it been someone else, it was easier to ignore," the court had said.
Here are the Highlights on Prashant Bhushan case:
Aug 31, 2020 16:25 (IST)
"Supreme Court is final destination for those in need of justice. If Supreme Court is strong and unbiased, this means victory for the nation," said Prashant Bhushan.
Aug 31, 2020 16:24 (IST)
"This case a watershed movement in freedom of speech. Truth shall prevail. Long live democracy," said Prashant Bhushan.
Aug 31, 2020 16:19 (IST)
I will pay the fine, says Prashant Bhushan
"The Supreme Court has announced its verdict in the contempt case against me. it has held me in contempt of court. While I reserve my right to seek a review of the convition and the sentence. I propose to submit to this order. I will pay the fine," said Prashant Bhushan.
Aug 31, 2020 16:15 (IST)
Prashant Bhushan Addresses Media After Supreme Court's 'Re 1 Fine' Order
Aug 31, 2020 15:50 (IST)
"Not warranted": Former Law Minister on Supreme Court order on Prashant Bhushan
The Supreme Court on Monday punishing activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan was unwarranted, former Union Law Minister M Veerapa Moily said and felt that the case against him could have been referred to the Bar Council of India.
The senior Congress leader said that Attorney General K K Venugopal and many jurists and lawyers had urged the Supreme Court not to punish him.
Mr Moily expressed the view that judges should not take upon themselves to punish a person who makes allegations against them.
"It looks as if it was not warranted," he said on the Supreme Court imposing a token fine of one rupee against
Mr Bhushan as punishment in the contempt case against him.
"It's not in keeping with the question of natural justice.It's not in keeping with the high standards of judiciary," he said.
Aug 31, 2020 12:39 (IST)
"Freedom of speech cannot be curtailed," said the Supreme Court while handing down the sentence, referring to "sane advice" from Attorney General KK Venugopal to the court and to Prashant Bhushan.
Aug 31, 2020 12:38 (IST)
The 63-year-old had refused to retract his comments or apologise, maintaining that it would be contempt of his conscience and the court. His lawyer has argued that that the court must and should take extreme criticism as its "shoulders are broad enough".
Aug 31, 2020 12:38 (IST)
Prashant Bhushan has been asked to pay the fine by September 15, failing which he will be sentenced to three months in jail or he cannot work as a lawyer for three years.