Organisation apologies to SC after it takes exception to plea 'targeting' CJI

A charitable organisation tendered today an "unconditional apology" to the Supreme Court for raking up the issue of "conflict of interest" against Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra.

The apex court, which had expressed anguish over an emerging "trend of targeting judges" and had indicated that it may impose a fine of Rs 25 lakh on the organisation, today accepted the apology of the organisation.

The organisation 'Bhartiya Matdata Sangathan', in its plea, had alleged that in disregard of constitutional morality, a relative of the CJI, who is an MP from Odisha, was practising as a senior lawyer in the courts and tribunals here.

A bench comprising the CJI and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud took note of the submissions of senior advocate Vikas Singh, representing the organisation and closed the case.

The objectionable plea was filed by the organisation in a PIL of BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay.

The court on July 9 had reserved its verdict on the PIL seeking to ban legislators from practising as advocates.

Taking strong note of the interim plea of the organisation, the bench had said, "This has become a trend of targeting judges. This trend must stop. If you have to make the allegation, please make them at the outset so that we can deal with them."