First condemn judiciary, then turn to us for liberties: CJI on Sanjay Raut, Nikhil Wagle contempt case

The contempt case concerns Nikhil Wagle's abusive post against CJI Surya Kant after he refused to meet an Opposition delegation and Sanjay Raut's claims that judges attended BJP events and played badminton with political figures in London. The SC Bar Association said that these remarks undermined the Supreme Court's authority.

In Short

• Petition says disputed remarks crossed limits of fair judicial criticism
• Nikhil Wagle deleted his post, tendered an unconditional apology to court
• Sanjay Raut alleged judges attended BJP events and chief ministers' dinners

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Friday said that people often criticise the judiciary but turn to courts when their personal liberty and rights are at stake, as the Supreme Court heard a criminal contempt case against journalist Nikhil Wagle and Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut over their public remarks against the CJI.

The court issued notice to both respondents, exempted them from appearing in person and said the case would be heard soon.

During the hearing, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) said it had been observing the conduct of the two respondents and that statements had been made against the institution. The association said it had approached the court because ignoring such remarks could encourage others to make similar statements.

“People don't understand what's happening,” the CJI observed, adding that it left a bad impression when people were seen condemning and criticising the judiciary. “We hope better sense prevails,” he said.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said such statements were being made deliberately, with those making them believing they could exert pressure on the system.

Meanwhile, Attorney General R Venkataramani on Thursday consented to criminal contempt proceedings initiated by the SCBA against Wagle and Raut over their public remarks about the CJI.

"In my considered view the tweets made by Shri Nikhil Wagle, Journalist and Shri Sanjay Raut, Member of Parliament are prima-facie scandalous, intended to lower the esteem of the Hon'ble the Supreme Court of India and particularly the Chief Justice of India," the Attorney General said in his consent letter as per a Bar and Bench report.

The SCBA has accused the respondents of deliberately making statements intended to scandalise the Supreme Court and undermine the authority of the CJI.

The association filed its petition on October 15, and the Attorney General granted consent for the proceedings under Section 15(1)(b) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, on the same day.

The controversy stemmed from the CJI's decision to decline a request by a delegation of Opposition parties to meet him ahead of their march to the Supreme Court, suggesting instead that they file a petition before the court.

Reacting to a media report on the development, Wagle posted an abusive remark directed at the CJI on X on October 11, writing " **** you CJI" from his account, @waglenikhli.

In his consent letter, the Attorney General said the statement attributed to Wagle "is not only abusive but also certainly a matter of such a low level. No right-minded person will make such a statement for public consumption."

Meanwhile, Raut's remarks followed on October 12, when he claimed that judges had attended BJP political programmes and that chief ministers had hosted dinners for High Court and Supreme Court judges. He was referring to photographs purportedly showing judges playing badminton with political figures in London.

"We have also seen judges attending political programs of the BJP in states where it is in power, and chief ministers organising dinners to welcome High Court and Supreme Court judges," Raut was quoted as saying by a news agency in a post on X.

The SCBA has challenged these claims, arguing that they were false and contrary to official records. The Attorney General said Raut's allegations against judges "are not based on any facts".

On the badminton photographs, Venkataramani referred to a June 19 order of the Delhi High Court, which found that the images circulating as photographs of a London event were actually from a programme held at Thyagaraj Stadium in New Delhi in November 2025.

The High Court had subsequently directed the removal of the content.

"It is important that the Hon'ble Member of Parliament should have verified the facts before making such scandalous allegations," the Attorney General said.

The association has clarified that it does not seek to prevent fair and temperate criticism of the judiciary. However, it argued that the remarks crossed that line and could undermine the court's authority.

"The deliberate scandalous words / expressions being willingly used by the Respondents go beyond fair criticism and are capable of scandalising this Hon'ble Court thereby lowering the authority of this Hon'ble Court," the petition states.

The association has also asked the Supreme Court to direct X Corp, Meta, Google and IANS to preserve the relevant posts, videos and account records. It has further sought an order restraining Wagle and Raut from making similar allegations against the CJI and Supreme Court judges while the case is pending.

Meanwhile, Wagle has deleted his post and tendered an unconditional apology to the CJI and the Supreme Court. In a letter addressed to the Attorney General on October 15, which he also shared on X, Wagle requested that the matter not be pursued further.

- Ends