Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut Tenders Unconditional Apology To SC Over Remarks Against CJI, Judiciary

Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut has tendered an unconditional and unqualified apology to the Supreme Court over his remarks against the judiciary and Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, and sought forgiveness and closure of the proposed contempt proceedings against him.

In an affidavit filed before the Court, Raut said the apology was tendered “with utmost sincerity and genuine remorse, without any reservation, justification or qualification”.

Raut said he has the highest regard for the Court and the judicial institution and deeply respects the constitutional role of the judiciary in upholding the rule of law, protecting constitutional values and safeguarding citizens' rights.

He said he fully recognised the importance of preserving the dignity, independence and authority of the Court and sincerely regretted that his remarks had led to the present proceedings.

Raut further said he had reflected on the remarks attributed to him concerning the judiciary and acknowledged that public statements concerning the judiciary called for “the utmost responsibility, circumspection and restraint”.

“He has no intention whatsoever of showing disrespect to this court or undermining the dignity, independence or authority of the judiciary. Respondent No. 2 recognises the paramount importance of maintaining public confidence in the judicial institution and sincerely regretted that his remarks have given rise to the present proceedings,” the affidavit stated.

The affidavit reiterated that the apology was unconditional, unqualified and voluntary, and was made with genuine remorse without seeking to justify, explain away or qualify the remarks in question.

Raut sought the Court's forgiveness and submitted himself to its wisdom and consideration.

He also undertook to remain mindful of the responsibility accompanying public statements concerning the judiciary and to exercise due care, circumspection and restraint in the future.

Contempt petition against Raut

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) alleged that Raut made statements suggesting that judges attended political programmes organised by the BJP and dinners hosted by chief ministers, despite refusing to meet Opposition leaders. He also referred to photographs purportedly showing judges playing badminton with political figures in London. The SCBA alleged these statements were false and intended to undermine the authority of the Supreme Court.

The controversy arose after CJI Surya Kant declined to meet an Opposition delegation led by Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge over issues concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Supreme Court had directed Raut to appear personally

The Supreme Court on October 28 directed Raut to remain personally present before it at 2 pm on November 17 in the criminal contempt petition filed by the SCBA over his remarks against Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and the judiciary.

Court, however, permitted journalist Nikhil Wagle to appear virtually after he deleted his social media post and expressed remorse over it.

Raut has now urged the Court to accept his unconditional and unqualified apology, discharge the show cause notice issued to him on October 16 and bring the proceedings against him to a close by dropping the proposed criminal contempt proceedings.

Case Title: Supreme Court Bar Association Vs Nikhil Wagle & Anr