National news
7 August
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
The Supreme Court today removed remarks made by Punjab and Haryana High Court’s single bench in a defamation case, calling them “unwarranted” and “disrespectful.” Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, leading a five-judge bench, noted that the comments by Justice Rajbir Sehrawat were concerning. The bench included Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, Surya Kant, and Hrishikesh Roy. They emphasized that neither the Supreme Court nor the High Court is supreme, but the Constitution of India is. They added that such remarks during court proceedings were unnecessary. However, the bench did not issue any notice or take action against the High Court judge.
The Supreme Court hoped that in the future, the High Court would be more careful while considering orders from the Supreme Court. They stressed that judges at all levels must maintain discipline and respect the judiciary. The bench remarked that Justice Sehrawat’s comments were unnecessary and that dissatisfaction with orders should not lead to disrespectful remarks. The Supreme Court stated that such comments harm the entire judicial system. The Attorney General R. Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also appeared in the case. Venkataramani highlighted the need for Supreme Court intervention, and Justice Khanna emphasized the importance of following Supreme Court orders. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had previously emphasized its independence from the Supreme Court, stating that it was not subordinate and did not need additional directives. Justice Sehrawat had clarified that the relationship between the High Court and the Supreme Court was not like that of a junior judge to a superior court.