Supreme Court issues contempt notices to Sanjay Raut and Nikhil Wagle

criminal contempt Supreme Court of India Sanjay Raut Nikhil Wagle judicial remarks

The Supreme Court of India has issued show-cause notices to Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut and journalist Nikhil Wagle regarding criminal contempt proceedings. The notices follow a petition filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) alleging that the two made scandalous and derogatory remarks about Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.

The controversy arose after the CJI declined a request from an opposition delegation to meet regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. In response, Raut alleged that judges had been seen playing badminton with political leaders in London and attending dinners with BJP officials. However, the Attorney General noted that such claims were not based on facts, citing a Delhi High Court order which clarified that related photographs were actually from an event in New Delhi.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi has exempted both Raut and Wagle from personal appearance at this stage. The court expressed concern over attacks on judicial institutions, noting that the judiciary has consistently protected personal liberties. While the SCBA sought their personal presence, the bench decided to first consider their written explanations.

Entities

Election Commission of India · Nikhil Wagle · Sanjay Raut · Supreme Court Bar Association · Supreme Court of India · Surya Kant

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] The Supreme Court issued show-cause notices to Sanjay Raut and Nikhil Wagle regarding criminal contempt. thenews21.com · www.latestly.com · www.newsx.com · www.orissapost.com
[● 4 SOURCES] The court exempted Raut and Wagle from appearing personally at this stage. thenews21.com · www.latestly.com · www.newsx.com · www.orissapost.com
[● 2 SOURCES] A Delhi High Court order found that photos of judges playing badminton were from New Delhi, not London. lawchakra.in · www.livelaw.in
[● 4 SOURCES] Sanjay Raut alleged that judges played badminton in London and attended dinners with political leaders. www.livelaw.in · www.newsx.com · www.news18.com · bhaskarlive.in
[● 6 SOURCES] Sanjay Raut and Nikhil Wagle made remarks that undermine public confidence in the Supreme Court. thenews21.com · lawchakra.in · www.latestly.com · www.newsx.com · www.orissapost.com · +1 more
[● 5 SOURCES] Attorney General R Venkataramani granted consent for criminal contempt proceedings, stating the comments were scandalous. thenews21.com · lawchakra.in · www.latestly.com · www.livelaw.in · www.orissapost.com