Latest updates: Congress leader and senior advocate Salman Khurshid termed this a sad day as he commented on the unprecedented public fall out between the Supreme Court judges. He said that the roster related differences will always remain, until a computerised system is introduced. The Congress party will addres a media briefing at 6.30 pm today.
According to latest reports, the Chief Justice of India is hearing cases like he always does. Bar and Bench reported that there will be no media briefing at 2 pm as media earlier reported. The report also clarified that CJI Dipak Misra met Attorney-General KK Venugopal over Unitech case and not to discuss the judges press conference.
Meanwhile, top government sources told News18 that the Centre is likely to distance itself from the crisis, in the hope that the judges will be able to sort it among themselves.
"This is an internal matter of the judiciary, it is best they solve it themselves,” a top source told CNN-News18, adding that Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has received a copy of the dissenting note circulated by Justice J Chelameswar, Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Madan B Lokur and Justice Kurian Joseph.
Reacting to the press conference which shocked everyone, The Congress said "democracy is in danger" after four seniormost Supreme Court judges came out in the open to say that the situation in the apex court was "not in order".
Meanwhile, several former judges, current advocates and politicians reacted to the unprecedented press conference held by four sitting Supreme Court judges. The opinion on whether the four sitting judges were right in calling the press conference was heavily divided by few supporting them and others saying that the move was "childish and immature" and that they have denigrated the institution and the sanctity of the judiciary.
Meanwhile, Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra will address the media shortly and ANI reported that Attorney General KK Venugopal will accompany him. The CJI, earlier, met Venugopal soon after the country’s top judiciary was rocked by an unprecedented press conference by four sitting judges. At the press meet, Justice J Chelameswar, the second senior-most judge in the top court, said the administration of the top court is “not in order” and that efforts to convince Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra had “failed”.
Chelameswar sounded caution over the “survival of democracy” and replying to a question on whether the CJI should be impeached said it was for the nation to “decide”. Apart from J Chelameswar, other sitting judges present included Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Madan B Lokur and Justice Kurien Joseph.
The media briefing has been organised by Justice Chelameswar at his house. The four judges who will address the media are Justice J Chelameswar, Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Madan Lokur, Justice Kurian Joseph.
"It is an extremly painful moment for all four of us and there is no pleasure in holding this press conference," Justice J Chelameswar told the press on Friday. Justice Chelameswar, the second senior most judge in the Supreme Court, today said the administration of the apex court is "sometimes not in order" and many "less than desirable things" have taken place.
Besides Justice Chelameswar, the other judges were Justices Ranjan Gogoi, MB Lokur and Kurian Joseph.
"Sometimes administration of the Supreme Court is not in order and many things which are less than desirable have happened...," Justice Chelameswar said.
The press conference was called at his Tughlaq Road residence here.
Published Date: Jan 12, 2018 17:25 PM | Updated Date: Jan 12, 2018 17:56 PM
Highlights
Irreparable damage done to judiciary: Santosh Hegde
Expressing deep anguish over four Supreme Court judges going public on issues related to the apex court, former Solicitor General of India N Santosh Hegde today said he was "devastated" by their action which has caused "irreparable" damage to the institution.
"As a retired judge of the Supreme Court, I feel devastated. "For some reason or the other, their cause is justified, (but) relief they are seeking is wrong...going to the media? No. Judiciary was always considered as a family. Family disputes are never taken to the streets," he told PTI.
Legal fraternity says it's unprecedented, shocking
The decision of four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court to hold a press conference was today termed as "unprecedented" by the legal fraternity, with some experts terming it as "shocking" while some others saying there could have been some compelling reasons for such a move.
Parliament cannot remain mute spectator of crisis in judiciary: D Raja
Meanwhile... what is the controversy surrounding Justice Loya's death
The Supreme Court is currently hearing a plea seeking inquiry on the death of Justice Loya. This issue was raised up today after four Supreme Court judges went public with their allegations that CJI is not following procedure on allotment of cases. When one of the media persons asked the judges, whether their grievance about allotment of cases also related to the Justice Loya case, the judges nodded in affirmative.
Congress top brass reaches Rahul Gandhi's residence before party's press meet
The Congress senior leadership is in a huddle before they address the press on the party's stand on the crisis that unraveled today. The party will hold a press briefing at 6.30 pm.
Government not to interfere in 'clash of personalities' within judiciary: Reports
Mamata Banerjee remarks on "extreme interference" of Centre with Judiciary
Mamata Banerjee tweeted on the issue, expressing her anguish and disappointment on the open fall out between Supreme Court judges. She, however, also added that "extreme interference of Central Government with Judiciary" is dangerous for society.
Justice Chelameswar ready for dialogue to sort out issue: CNN-News18 report
News18 said it has learnt from sources close to Justice Chelameswar that the judge is ready to hold a discussion with his colleagues to sort out the issue. He has also reportedly said that his intention was never to humiliate the CJI but he did what he could to raise his point.
CJI yet to make up his mind on briefing media: Reports
According to CNN-News18, Chief Justice Dipak Misra will confirm later whether he wishes to go public with his response over the issues raised by four senior Supreme Court judges. It is likely that the CJI chooses to address his colleagues first, before going public with a statement, the report said.
Kapil Sibal to meet Rahul Gandhi at 5 pm, before Congress presser
CPI's D Raja meets Justice Chelameswar
According to a report by CNN-News28, CPI's D Raja met Justice Chelameswar, one of the four Supreme Court judges who held a press conference earlier today, speaking out publicly against the CJI. However, it was not clear whether Raja's meeting with the Supreme Court judge was related to the matter. Reports say that Raja shares a close family relation with Justice Chelameswar.
Meanwhile, CPM, another Left-wing party has demanded a thorough investigation "to understand how the independence and integrity of judiciary was being affected."
The dissenting judges had different views on Collegium system of appointment
CNN-News 18 reported that the four judges who have come out in public against the CJI had differences on the matter of appointment of judges. While Justice Chelameswar was the lone dissenting voice, who spoke against the Collegium system, Justice Gogoi and Justice Joseph, however, said that the traditional system must be upheld.
Congress to hold press briefing at 6.30 pm over Supreme Court controversy
Judges should not make it an issue of egos but principle: Former judge AK Ganguly
Former Supreme Court Judge AK Ganguli said that the CJI cannot afford to be rigid on issues like this after all this is not a matter of clash of egos but a matter of principle. These should have been thrashed out within the institution, he added. "I heard that the justices said that they tried and approached the CJI but did not succeed. Well, the CJI must try and resolve this internally as he must first earn the confidence of his peers, that is how he will become the Chief and not my merely by seniority," Ganguly said.
Yes CJI is master of rosters but he can't be arbitrary in his choices: Indira Jaisingh
Speaking to IndiaToday senior advocate Indira Jaisingh said, "We all know that the Chief Justice of India is the master of the roasters, but he cannot behave arbitrarily. He has to take on record the feedback provided by his colleagues."
Bar Council of India says it was unaware of judges' internal matter, will meet tomorrow to discuss issue
Subramanian Swamy bats for establishing consensus amid judges, says these are men of great of integrity
“We can't criticise them, they are men of great integrity and have sacrificed a lot of their legal career, where they could've made money as senior counsels. We must respect them. PM must ensure that the four judges and the CJI, in fact whole Supreme Court come to one opinion and proceed further,” Swamy said.
Four judges went public against CJI because issues raised were grave: Justice Mudgal
Let the judges sort it out among themselves: Centre plans to distance itself from crisis
Top government sources told News18 that the Centre is likely to distance itself from the crisis, in the hope that the judges will be able to sort it among themselves.
"This is an internal matter of the judiciary, it is best they solve it themselves,” a top source told CNN-News18, adding that Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has received a copy of the dissenting note circulated by Justice J Chelameswar, Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Madan B Lokur and Justice Kurian Joseph.
No CJI press briefing at 2 pm: Misra met Venugopal for Unitech case
CJI Dipak Misra had called Attorney General KK Venugopal for the Unitech case and not about the judges press conference as some media outlets are putting it out, Bar and Bench tweeted. "The CJI is hearing cases like he does everyday," Bar and Bench further reported.
We are concerned, says Congress
The Congress said "democracy is in danger" after four seniormost Supreme Court judges came out in the open to say that the situation in the apex court was "not in order".
"We are very concerned to hear 4 judges of the Supreme Court expressed concerns about the functioning of the Supreme Court. #DemocracyInDanger," the Congress' official Twitter handle said.
People have the right to know what's going on within the judiciary: Indira Jaisingh
If the four judges have taken this last resort it also says that there is something seriously wrong with the judiciary: Santosh Hegde
Writing for News18, former Supreme Court judge Santosh Hegde says:
"It is very unfortunate that the internal dispute of the judiciary was brought out in this manner publicly. What the four judges have done today by holding the press conference to bring out their dispute in public is that they’ve denigrated the institution of judiciary.
There are reasons for people to be aggrieved with the system but unlike other wings – the executive and the legislature – the judiciary doesn’t discuss its disputes in public. It is bound to protect its own integrity.
By this I don’t mean to imply that I’m supporting the Chief Justice of India. The four judges have got good reasons to challenge the monopoly of the CJI. But they should have challenged him in the confines of the four walls of the judiciary.
Going to the press is the last resort. And if the four judges have taken this last resort it also says that there is something seriously wrong with the judiciary. But I wish these issues were settled internally. The required changes within the system should have been brought about internally."
Read full report here
Some damage, yes, but not permanent damage: Ex-advocate general Maharashtra
Former Maharashtra Advocate General Shreehari Aney says, "I agree, some damage has been done to the office of Chief Justice of India (CJI), but this is not a permanent damage"
Market crashed to its lowest to 34349.99 points at 12:45 pm
The markets responded adversely after four Supreme Court judges held a press conference for the first time in the history of Independent India.
The Bombay Stock Exchange stood at 34606 points at noon on Friday and fell to 34550.2 points at 12:15 pm, at the time the press conference of the Supreme Court judges began and further fell to 34423.8 at 12:35 pm, exactly five minutes after the press conference ended, plummeting by 183 points in a span of half an hour.
The market crashed to its lowest to 34349.99 points at 12:45 pm, taking a hit by 256 points as compared to the figures at noon before the presser.
CJI Misra will make a statement soon
According to sources in the Supreme Court, CJI Dipak Misra is likely to make a statement at a special hearing in a short while when the apex court resumes its proceedings for the day.
Soon after the four judges ended their media address, the Chief Justice had called upon Attorney General KK Venugopal to chart his next course of action.
This proves there's a serious dispute within the judiciary: Former SC judge
Judges had to come before media and take this unprecedented step. This means that there is a serious dispute, either with Chief Justice of India or some internal dispute, says PB Sawant, former Supreme Court judge on press conference by four sititng Supreme Court judges
CJI determines which judges/benches hears cases, but when the matter involves the CJI himself, the chief shouldn't be involved
The Chief Justice determines which judges/benches hears cases of a particular type (i.e Criminal Appeals go to X, Civil Appeals go to Y, Writs go to Z). When it comes to constituting larger benches though, that becomes CJI's absolute discretion (3 or more judges), just like any boss can decide who gets what special assignments. Ideally, the Chief gets this power cause he's expected to know who's the best person for the job.
But it comes with a caveat, when the matter involves the Chief himself, the Chief shouldn't be involved in the decision to preserve integrity of the institution. But in this case, Misra didn't follow that procedure at all.
They've denigrated the institution of judiciary: Former SC judge Santosh Hegde
Former Supreme Court judge Santosh Hegde, was quoted as saying, "It is very unfortunate that the internal dispute of the judiciary was brought out in this manner publicly. What the four judges have done today by holding the press conference to bring out their dispute in public is that they’ve denigrated the institution of judiciary... When the judiciary goes for public opinion it spells the end of judiciary."
Deeply sad and pained, says Salman Khurshid
"Deeply sad and pained by the development. Also feel a sense of agony that highest court of land should come under such severe stress that forces judges to address the media," says senior advocate Salman Khurshid.
Modi speaks to law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad
Sources tell ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad about the allegations made by the four Supreme Court sitting judges.
‘Chief Justice is only the first amongst the equals — nothing more or nothing less’
On Friday, Justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, Madan B Lokur and Kurian Joseph addressed the media to highlight their grievances about how cases are allocated in the Supreme Court. Read the full text of the letter issued by the four Supreme Court judges
CJI to address media at 2 pm
5 top questions raised in the 7-page letter:
1) Is top judiciary being run on whims?
2) Are most senior judges being bypassed by the CJI?
3) Are all big cases against Govt being assigned to "selective" benches
4) Is Govt interfering with highest judiciary?
5) Doesn't CJI need to answer?
This matter is extremely painful, and scary: Former law minister Ashwini Kumar
We can't criticise them: Subramanian Swamy on 4-sitting SC judges' media briefing
We can't criticise them, they are men of great integrity and have sacrificed a lot of their legal career, where they could've made money as senior counsels. We must respect them. Prime Minister must ensure that the four judges and Chief Justice of India, in fact, the whole Supreme Court come to one opinion and proceed further, ANI quoted Subramanian Swamy as saying.
CJI Dipak Misra to meet Attorney General KK Venugopal shortly
The Chief Justice seeks to consult Venugopal on how to move further on this unprecedented development.
Excerpts from the 7-page letter written to CJI Misra from 4 sitting Supreme Court judges:
"Certain orders... have adversely affected judicial functioning... and independence of High Courts..." In another part, the letter reads, "Well settled... that Chief Justice is only first among equals – nothing more, nothing less."
CJI Dipak Misra will meet Attorney General KK Venugopal
Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra will meet Attorney General KK Venugopal shortly after the country’s top judiciary was rocked by an unprecedented press conference by four sitting judges. News18 reports that the meeting will take place at 1.30 pm.
We aren't mentioning details just to avoid embarrassing the institution
"We are not mentioning details only to avoid embarrassing the institution but note that such departures have already damaged the image of this instituition to some extent," Supreme Court judges' letter to CJI Dipak Misra.
All four should be impeached: Retired HC judge RS Sodhi
Retired Delhi HC judge Justice RS Sodhi hits out at Supreme Court judges — Justice J Chelameswar, Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Madan B Lokur and Justice Kurien Joseph — for speaking out against CJI Misra.
“I think all four should be impeached. Four judges cannot come together and speak against the CJI like this. Why should the CJI cow down to them?”
It is immature and childish behaviour: Retired judge RS Sodhi
"Issues don't matter. It is their complaint on administrative matter. They are only 4, there are 23 others. 4 get together and show the Chief Justice in a poor light. It is immature & childish behaviour," Justice R S Sodhi was quoted as saying by ANI.
Watch: Four top Supreme Court judges address media
SC judges must have had compelling reason to call for the press conference
"It's quite shocking. There must have been compelling reasons for the senior-most judges to have adopted this course of action. One could see pain on their faces while they were speaking," SC advocated KTS Tulsi tells ANI.
Narendra Modi summons Law Minister after unprecedented press conference
Justice Ranjan Gogoi, on being asked if it is about CBI Judge BH Loya said, 'yes'
Earlier clashes between CJI Dipak Misra and the other judges
Bar and Bench had detailed the clash which took place between the CJI and Justice Chelameswar in November in Kamini Jaiswal's petition.
Chief Justice has been the subject of criticism
Senior Advocate and former president of the SC Bar Association Dushyant Dave in The Indian Express has pointed at serious issues in the constitution of benches and the allocation of work to such benches by the Chief Justice.
Images from the press conference
The judges have risen and the press conference is over
Justice Gogoi says there is nothing else to say, everything is in the letter
Senior Advocate Indira Jaisingh was present at the venue too
The judges try to distribute copies of the letter they gave to the CJI
However, they only had one copy of the letter. They have sent someone to get some photocopies of the letter.
Justice Chelameswar continues, mentions BH Loya death case
"The four of them gave a signed letter to the CJI. We wanted a thing to be done in a particular manner. The thing was done an unsatisfactory manner," said Justice Chelameswar.
"Today we went to the Chief Justice and asked him to do a certain thing," says Justice Chelameswar.
When pressed by the media, he acquiesced that this was about the BH Loya death case.
It appears that the four judges are upset with the Chief Justice Dipak Misra
Justice Chelameswar starts speaking
"With no pleasure in our hearts that we do this. But sometimes, the administration of the Supreme Court is not in order. We owe a responsibility to the nation to do this," says Justice Chelameswar.
"The democracy cannot survive without an independent judiciary. All our efforts to convince the Chief Justice have failed," he added.
Press conference about to start
Justice Chelameswar along with Justice Lokur and Kurian Joseph at the venue
17:56 (IST)
Irreparable damage done to judiciary: Santosh Hegde
Expressing deep anguish over four Supreme Court judges going public on issues related to the apex court, former Solicitor General of India N Santosh Hegde today said he was "devastated" by their action which has caused "irreparable" damage to the institution.
"As a retired judge of the Supreme Court, I feel devastated. "For some reason or the other, their cause is justified, (but) relief they are seeking is wrong...going to the media? No. Judiciary was always considered as a family. Family disputes are never taken to the streets," he told PTI.
17:45 (IST)
Legal fraternity says it's unprecedented, shocking
The decision of four senior-most judges of the Supreme Court to hold a press conference was today termed as "unprecedented" by the legal fraternity, with some experts terming it as "shocking" while some others saying there could have been some compelling reasons for such a move.
17:43 (IST)
Parliament cannot remain mute spectator of crisis in judiciary: D Raja
17:13 (IST)
Meanwhile... what is the controversy surrounding Justice Loya's death
The Supreme Court is currently hearing a plea seeking inquiry on the death of Justice Loya. This issue was raised up today after four Supreme Court judges went public with their allegations that CJI is not following procedure on allotment of cases. When one of the media persons asked the judges, whether their grievance about allotment of cases also related to the Justice Loya case, the judges nodded in affirmative.
17:02 (IST)
Not giving it political colour. These are concerns for everybody: D Raja on meeting with Justice Chelameswar
16:58 (IST)
BJP leader Yashwant Sinha expresses support for dissenting judges, says their hints are loud and clear
16:53 (IST)
Congress top brass reaches Rahul Gandhi's residence before party's press meet
The Congress senior leadership is in a huddle before they address the press on the party's stand on the crisis that unraveled today. The party will hold a press briefing at 6.30 pm.
16:44 (IST)
Government not to interfere in 'clash of personalities' within judiciary: Reports
16:40 (IST)
Mamata Banerjee remarks on "extreme interference" of Centre with Judiciary
Mamata Banerjee tweeted on the issue, expressing her anguish and disappointment on the open fall out between Supreme Court judges. She, however, also added that "extreme interference of Central Government with Judiciary" is dangerous for society.
16:31 (IST)
Justice Chelameswar ready for dialogue to sort out issue: CNN-News18 report
News18 said it has learnt from sources close to Justice Chelameswar that the judge is ready to hold a discussion with his colleagues to sort out the issue. He has also reportedly said that his intention was never to humiliate the CJI but he did what he could to raise his point.
16:30 (IST)
CJI yet to make up his mind on briefing media: Reports
According to CNN-News18, Chief Justice Dipak Misra will confirm later whether he wishes to go public with his response over the issues raised by four senior Supreme Court judges. It is likely that the CJI chooses to address his colleagues first, before going public with a statement, the report said.
16:27 (IST)
Kapil Sibal to meet Rahul Gandhi at 5 pm, before Congress presser
16:14 (IST)
CPI's D Raja meets Justice Chelameswar
According to a report by CNN-News28, CPI's D Raja met Justice Chelameswar, one of the four Supreme Court judges who held a press conference earlier today, speaking out publicly against the CJI. However, it was not clear whether Raja's meeting with the Supreme Court judge was related to the matter. Reports say that Raja shares a close family relation with Justice Chelameswar.
Meanwhile, CPM, another Left-wing party has demanded a thorough investigation "to understand how the independence and integrity of judiciary was being affected."
15:58 (IST)
The dissenting judges had different views on Collegium system of appointment
CNN-News 18 reported that the four judges who have come out in public against the CJI had differences on the matter of appointment of judges. While Justice Chelameswar was the lone dissenting voice, who spoke against the Collegium system, Justice Gogoi and Justice Joseph, however, said that the traditional system must be upheld.
15:55 (IST)
Congress to hold press briefing at 6.30 pm over Supreme Court controversy
15:34 (IST)
Judges should not make it an issue of egos but principle: Former judge AK Ganguly
Former Supreme Court Judge AK Ganguli said that the CJI cannot afford to be rigid on issues like this after all this is not a matter of clash of egos but a matter of principle. These should have been thrashed out within the institution, he added. "I heard that the justices said that they tried and approached the CJI but did not succeed. Well, the CJI must try and resolve this internally as he must first earn the confidence of his peers, that is how he will become the Chief and not my merely by seniority," Ganguly said.
15:27 (IST)
Yes CJI is master of rosters but he can't be arbitrary in his choices: Indira Jaisingh
Speaking to IndiaToday senior advocate Indira Jaisingh said, "We all know that the Chief Justice of India is the master of the roasters, but he cannot behave arbitrarily. He has to take on record the feedback provided by his colleagues."
15:20 (IST)
Bar Council of India says it was unaware of judges' internal matter, will meet tomorrow to discuss issue
15:16 (IST)
Subramanian Swamy bats for establishing consensus amid judges, says these are men of great of integrity
“We can't criticise them, they are men of great integrity and have sacrificed a lot of their legal career, where they could've made money as senior counsels. We must respect them. PM must ensure that the four judges and the CJI, in fact whole Supreme Court come to one opinion and proceed further,” Swamy said.
15:08 (IST)
Four judges went public against CJI because issues raised were grave: Justice Mudgal
15:00 (IST)
Chief Justice is just first amongst equals. He isnt any superior legal authority: Dissenting judges' letter
14:53 (IST)
Let the judges sort it out among themselves: Centre plans to distance itself from crisis
Top government sources told News18 that the Centre is likely to distance itself from the crisis, in the hope that the judges will be able to sort it among themselves.
"This is an internal matter of the judiciary, it is best they solve it themselves,” a top source told CNN-News18, adding that Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has received a copy of the dissenting note circulated by Justice J Chelameswar, Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Madan B Lokur and Justice Kurian Joseph.
14:51 (IST)
No CJI press briefing at 2 pm: Misra met Venugopal for Unitech case
CJI Dipak Misra had called Attorney General KK Venugopal for the Unitech case and not about the judges press conference as some media outlets are putting it out, Bar and Bench tweeted. "The CJI is hearing cases like he does everyday," Bar and Bench further reported.
14:43 (IST)
We are concerned, says Congress
The Congress said "democracy is in danger" after four seniormost Supreme Court judges came out in the open to say that the situation in the apex court was "not in order".
"We are very concerned to hear 4 judges of the Supreme Court expressed concerns about the functioning of the Supreme Court. #DemocracyInDanger," the Congress' official Twitter handle said.
14:39 (IST)
People have the right to know what's going on within the judiciary: Indira Jaisingh
14:39 (IST)
14:38 (IST)
If the four judges have taken this last resort it also says that there is something seriously wrong with the judiciary: Santosh Hegde
Writing for News18, former Supreme Court judge Santosh Hegde says:
"It is very unfortunate that the internal dispute of the judiciary was brought out in this manner publicly. What the four judges have done today by holding the press conference to bring out their dispute in public is that they’ve denigrated the institution of judiciary.
There are reasons for people to be aggrieved with the system but unlike other wings – the executive and the legislature – the judiciary doesn’t discuss its disputes in public. It is bound to protect its own integrity.
By this I don’t mean to imply that I’m supporting the Chief Justice of India. The four judges have got good reasons to challenge the monopoly of the CJI. But they should have challenged him in the confines of the four walls of the judiciary.
Going to the press is the last resort. And if the four judges have taken this last resort it also says that there is something seriously wrong with the judiciary. But I wish these issues were settled internally. The required changes within the system should have been brought about internally."
Read full report here
14:36 (IST)
Some damage, yes, but not permanent damage: Ex-advocate general Maharashtra
Former Maharashtra Advocate General Shreehari Aney says, "I agree, some damage has been done to the office of Chief Justice of India (CJI), but this is not a permanent damage"
14:33 (IST)
Sharad Yadav reacts
14:24 (IST)
14:20 (IST)
Market crashed to its lowest to 34349.99 points at 12:45 pm
The markets responded adversely after four Supreme Court judges held a press conference for the first time in the history of Independent India.
The Bombay Stock Exchange stood at 34606 points at noon on Friday and fell to 34550.2 points at 12:15 pm, at the time the press conference of the Supreme Court judges began and further fell to 34423.8 at 12:35 pm, exactly five minutes after the press conference ended, plummeting by 183 points in a span of half an hour.
The market crashed to its lowest to 34349.99 points at 12:45 pm, taking a hit by 256 points as compared to the figures at noon before the presser.
14:15 (IST)
CJI Misra will make a statement soon
According to sources in the Supreme Court, CJI Dipak Misra is likely to make a statement at a special hearing in a short while when the apex court resumes its proceedings for the day.
Soon after the four judges ended their media address, the Chief Justice had called upon Attorney General KK Venugopal to chart his next course of action.
14:12 (IST)
This proves there's a serious dispute within the judiciary: Former SC judge
Judges had to come before media and take this unprecedented step. This means that there is a serious dispute, either with Chief Justice of India or some internal dispute, says PB Sawant, former Supreme Court judge on press conference by four sititng Supreme Court judges
14:10 (IST)
The judges addressing the media include Justice J Chelameswar, Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Madan B Lokur and Justice Kurien Joseph.
14:09 (IST)
CJI determines which judges/benches hears cases, but when the matter involves the CJI himself, the chief shouldn't be involved
The Chief Justice determines which judges/benches hears cases of a particular type (i.e Criminal Appeals go to X, Civil Appeals go to Y, Writs go to Z). When it comes to constituting larger benches though, that becomes CJI's absolute discretion (3 or more judges), just like any boss can decide who gets what special assignments. Ideally, the Chief gets this power cause he's expected to know who's the best person for the job.
But it comes with a caveat, when the matter involves the Chief himself, the Chief shouldn't be involved in the decision to preserve integrity of the institution. But in this case, Misra didn't follow that procedure at all.
13:59 (IST)
They've denigrated the institution of judiciary: Former SC judge Santosh Hegde
Former Supreme Court judge Santosh Hegde, was quoted as saying, "It is very unfortunate that the internal dispute of the judiciary was brought out in this manner publicly. What the four judges have done today by holding the press conference to bring out their dispute in public is that they’ve denigrated the institution of judiciary... When the judiciary goes for public opinion it spells the end of judiciary."
13:58 (IST)
13:57 (IST)
Deeply sad and pained, says Salman Khurshid
"Deeply sad and pained by the development. Also feel a sense of agony that highest court of land should come under such severe stress that forces judges to address the media," says senior advocate Salman Khurshid.
13:56 (IST)
Modi speaks to law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad
Sources tell ANI Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad about the allegations made by the four Supreme Court sitting judges.
13:52 (IST)
‘Chief Justice is only the first amongst the equals — nothing more or nothing less’
On Friday, Justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, Madan B Lokur and Kurian Joseph addressed the media to highlight their grievances about how cases are allocated in the Supreme Court. Read the full text of the letter issued by the four Supreme Court judges
13:50 (IST)
CJI to address media at 2 pm
13:36 (IST)
5 top questions raised in the 7-page letter:
1) Is top judiciary being run on whims?
2) Are most senior judges being bypassed by the CJI?
3) Are all big cases against Govt being assigned to "selective" benches
4) Is Govt interfering with highest judiciary?
5) Doesn't CJI need to answer?
13:31 (IST)
This matter is extremely painful, and scary: Former law minister Ashwini Kumar
13:30 (IST)
We can't criticise them: Subramanian Swamy on 4-sitting SC judges' media briefing
We can't criticise them, they are men of great integrity and have sacrificed a lot of their legal career, where they could've made money as senior counsels. We must respect them. Prime Minister must ensure that the four judges and Chief Justice of India, in fact, the whole Supreme Court come to one opinion and proceed further, ANI quoted Subramanian Swamy as saying.
13:22 (IST)
CJI Dipak Misra to meet Attorney General KK Venugopal shortly
The Chief Justice seeks to consult Venugopal on how to move further on this unprecedented development.
13:21 (IST)
Excerpts from the 7-page letter written to CJI Misra from 4 sitting Supreme Court judges:
"Certain orders... have adversely affected judicial functioning... and independence of High Courts..." In another part, the letter reads, "Well settled... that Chief Justice is only first among equals – nothing more, nothing less."
13:20 (IST)
CJI Dipak Misra will meet Attorney General KK Venugopal
Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra will meet Attorney General KK Venugopal shortly after the country’s top judiciary was rocked by an unprecedented press conference by four sitting judges. News18 reports that the meeting will take place at 1.30 pm.
13:19 (IST)
We aren't mentioning details just to avoid embarrassing the institution
"We are not mentioning details only to avoid embarrassing the institution but note that such departures have already damaged the image of this instituition to some extent," Supreme Court judges' letter to CJI Dipak Misra.
13:15 (IST)
All four should be impeached: Retired HC judge RS Sodhi
Retired Delhi HC judge Justice RS Sodhi hits out at Supreme Court judges — Justice J Chelameswar, Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justice Madan B Lokur and Justice Kurien Joseph — for speaking out against CJI Misra.
“I think all four should be impeached. Four judges cannot come together and speak against the CJI like this. Why should the CJI cow down to them?”
13:13 (IST)
It is immature and childish behaviour: Retired judge RS Sodhi
"Issues don't matter. It is their complaint on administrative matter. They are only 4, there are 23 others. 4 get together and show the Chief Justice in a poor light. It is immature & childish behaviour," Justice R S Sodhi was quoted as saying by ANI.