11 September, 2008

Reply equally contemptuous — apex court notice to two women

New Delhi: Taking a serious view of their derogatory remarks against Chief Justice of India K.G. Balakrishnan, the Supreme Court has issued a fresh notice to two women associated with the Mumbai-based Boss School, asking why contempt charges should not be framed against them.
On August 29, a Bench headed by the Chief Justice issued contempt notice to Leila David and Annette Kotian, who argued in person, for casting aspersions on judges of the Bombay High Court. The court asked them to withdraw the allegations made in their petitions seeking the arrest of 10 judges for not rendering justice to them. However, when both refused to do so, the contempt notice was issued asking them to reply by September 10.
On Wednesday, the matter was posted before a Bench consisting of Justices Arijit Pasayat and H.S. Bedi. Both women appeared with their replies. Justice Pasayat pointed out that their reply was more contemptuous than their petition. But they maintained that they had not committed any contempt and that the August 29 notice was illegal and void.
In a brief order, the Bench said: “We have considered the reply, which is equally contemptuous and we feel that action needs to be taken against them for contempt of this court and charges will be framed against them.”
Justice Pasayat told the women that they had not only made allegations against the Chief Justice but the documents, annexed in their reply, also contained cartoons in which he was compared with terrorist Osama bin Laden and the former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
Justice Pasayat observed: “You have threatened the CJI that if the situation is not resolved the CJI will find himself in hot waters. You have drawn cartoons of the CJI and compared him with Laden and Saddam. Comparing the CJI with Laden and Saddam does not take away your fallacious allegations.”
Further hearing is listed for November 18.
With Thanks from the The Hindu 11 September 2008 Thursday
Source:- http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/11/stories/2008091160921300.htm
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