New Delhi: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has offered a public apology after the Supreme Court issued a show-cause notice to him in a criminal contempt case. The notice was prompted by alleged derogatory remarks the politician made concerning Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant.
The apex court on Friday issued notices to Raut and senior journalist Nikhil Wagle, questioning why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them. The bench, however, exempted both individuals from personal appearance in court. Speaking to reporters shortly after, Raut clarified that neither he nor his party harboured any intention to disrespect the judiciary.
“If the Supreme Court feels I have made any inappropriate remarks against it, there is nothing wrong in apologizing to the institution that protects the Indian Constitution,” Raut stated, adding that he was ready to formally apologize if necessary.
The controversy stems from an October 12 statement where Raut claimed he had seen 60 to 70 judges, including the CJI, playing badminton with BJP leaders in London. His remarks followed an incident where the CJI reportedly declined a meeting with Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, who sought to submit a memorandum regarding alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Co-accused Nikhil Wagle had also posted an objectionable comment against the CJI on X (formerly Twitter) on October 11, which he subsequently deleted while issuing an unconditional apology.
The notices come closely on the heels of stern remarks made by CJI Surya Kant during a Thursday hearing related to a protest march led by opposition leaders. Noting that the judiciary cannot be intimidated, the Chief Justice remarked, “We are not sitting in an isolated world. We know what statements they are making outside and what they are saying in court.”
While extending his apology, Raut used the opportunity to reiterate his political demands. He urged the judiciary to address the alleged deletion of 13 crore voters from the electoral lists. Furthermore, the Sena (UBT) leader expressed deep frustration over the delayed hearings regarding the dispute over his party’s original name and symbol. Stressing that the case has dragged on for four and a half years across the tenures of four different Chief Justices, he appealed to the top court for a swift resolution.