Amidst the ongoing exchange of accusations between the BJP-led central government and Congress regarding the judiciary, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra made a significant allegation on Saturday. She asserted that the Centre is exerting undue influence on the judiciary, following the Supreme Court’s decision to invalidate the electoral bonds scheme. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned whether the Narendra Modi government opposes the idea of an impartial and robust judiciary.
These statements by the Congress general secretary follow Prime Minister Modi’s criticism of the opposition party. Reacting to over 600 lawyers addressing the Chief Justice of India, accusing a “vested interest group” of pressuring the judiciary and tarnishing its image, Modi remarked that such behavior reflects a traditional tactic of the Congress to intimidate others.
Expressing her concerns in Hindi on a certain platform, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra remarked on the apparent coercion of the judicial system. She highlighted the avalanche of scandals uncovered due to the Supreme Court’s decision on electoral bonds, which the public perceives as an “extortion racket.” Furthermore, she questioned the Prime Minister’s direct involvement in criticizing the judiciary, hinting at an underlying apprehension on his part.
The Congress leader pointed out various instances of political interference in the judiciary, including judges holding press conferences, appointing a judge to the Rajya Sabha, fielding a former judge as an electoral candidate, attempting to influence judicial appointments, and making disparaging remarks when court rulings go against them. She questioned whether the Modi government truly supports the concept of an impartial and robust judiciary.
Over 600 lawyers, including prominent figures like senior advocate Harish Salve and Bar Council chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra, penned a letter to Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud. They accused a certain group of having vested interests and attempting to coerce the judiciary, particularly in corruption cases involving politicians.
The lawyers highlighted the detrimental impact of such tactics on the integrity of the courts and the democratic fabric of the nation. They emphasized the crucial leadership role of CJI Chandrachud during these challenging times, urging the Supreme Court to maintain its strength and resist undue influences. The letter, disseminated by official sources, criticized a segment of lawyers who allegedly defend politicians during the day and seek to sway judges through the media at night.