SC Furious Over Attempt to Influence Judiciary in Reservation Case
Supreme Court warns of contempt action over alleged influence attempt.
Top Summary
- What happened: The Supreme Court rebuked an attempt to influence judicial proceedings after a litigant's father allegedly contacted the CJI's brother.
- Why it matters: This raises serious concerns about the integrity and independence of the judiciary.
- What changes for people: Such actions could lead to criminal contempt charges and stricter scrutiny of minority certificate issuances.
- Who is affected: The litigant, Nikhil Kumar Punia, his father, the Haryana government, and potentially others seeking minority benefits.
CJI Kant Expresses Disapproval
The Supreme Court has taken strong exception to an alleged attempt to influence judicial proceedings. The incident involved the father of a litigant who reportedly contacted the brother of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant.
CJI Kant disclosed the incident in open court, expressing visible perturbation. He warned of possible criminal contempt action.
"He calls up my brother and asks him how the Chief Justice of India has passed this order. Will he dictate us?"
The Case at Hand: Minority Reservation Claim
The case involves a plea filed by Nikhil Kumar Punia. He claims to have converted to Buddhism and sought minority reservation benefits despite being born into an upper-caste Hindu family.
In January, the court dismissed his claim, calling it a "new kind of fraud". The bench, also comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi, questioned the petitioner’s counsel about the alleged phone call.
"Now you tell us why we should not initiate criminal contempt against the father of your client… Should I disclose it in open court?"
Court's Stern Warning
The court deemed the conduct "sheer misconduct" and advised the lawyer to consider withdrawing from the case. The bench emphasized that such behavior would not be tolerated.
"As counsel, you should first consider withdrawing… Even if he is outside India, I know how to deal with such people,"
The CJI dismissed any suggestion that the actions could influence the proceedings. He stated, "Nobody dares to do this… I have dealt with such elements for the last 23 years."
Fraudulent Claims and Minority Certificates
The court previously termed the plea a "new type of fraud" after Punia disclosed his birth in the Jaat Puniya community before converting.
Punia and another candidate sought minority benefits for admission to a medical college in Uttar Pradesh. They appeared for NEET-PG 2025 under the general category.
The petitioners obtained Buddhist minority certificates from a sub-divisional officer in Hisar. However, they initially declared themselves as general category candidates, raising doubts about their motives.
Haryana Government's Role
The court flagged serious concerns and directed the Haryana government to explain the legal framework for issuing minority certificates.
The court questioned whether such certificates could be granted to upper-caste individuals who declared themselves as general category candidates.
On Wednesday, the court did not further examine the merits, noting that Haryana had yet to file its compliance report. The state must file its compliance report, or the chief secretary of Haryana shall remain personally present.
What to Watch Next
The matter is now listed for hearing next week. The court awaits the Haryana government's compliance report, which will determine the next steps in the case and potential consequences for the involved parties.