A charitable organisation tendered today an "unconditional apology" to the Supreme Court for raking up the issue of "conflict of interest" against (CJI) Dipak Misra.
The apex court, which had expressed anguish over an emerging "trend of targeting judges" and had indicated that it may impose a fine of Rs 25 lakh on the organisation, today accepted the apology of the organisation.
The organisation 'Bhartiya Matdata Sangathan', in its plea, had alleged that in disregard of constitutional morality, a relative of the CJI, who is an MP from Odisha, was practising as a senior lawyer in the courts and tribunals here.
A bench comprising the CJI and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud took note of the submissions of senior advocate Vikas Singh, representing the organisation and closed the case.
The objectionable plea was filed by the organisation in a PIL of BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay.
The court on July 9 had reserved its verdict on the PIL seeking to ban legislators from practising as advocates.
Taking strong note of the interim plea of the organisation, the bench had said, "This has become a trend of targeting judges. This trend must stop. If you have to make the allegation, please make them at the outset so that we can deal with them."
Attorney General K K Venugopal had said that a case of contempt was made out in the present case and had also suggested that the cost be imposed and be paid to the Kerala relief fund.
The apex court had reserved its verdict on the PIL which had alleged that a lawmaker drew a salary from the public exchequer and a salaried employee was debarred by the Bar Council of India from practising in the courts of law.
The petition has said that while a public servant cannot practice as an advocate, legislators are practising in various courts which violated Article 14 of the Constitution.
The plea said the issue is a matter of concern to both the judiciary and the legislature as most of the lawmaker-advocates were involved in active practice of law, despite receiving salaries and other perquisites drawn on the public exchequer.
The petition also pointed out that the MPs have the power of voting on the impeachment of judges of the Supreme Court and the high courts.
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