‘Why not just apologise?’ SC reserves verdict in contempt case against Bhushan

feature-image

Play all audios:

Reprimanding like 'don't do it again will not be correct, Venugopal said.


Earlier in the day, the court granted 30 minutes to Bhushan to reconsider his stand after the Attorney General sought forgiveness for the activist-lawyer. He had refused to offer an apology


to the Supreme Court for his two tweets against the judiciary, saying what he expressed represented his bona fide belief which he continued to hold.


"Bhushan says the Supreme Court has collapsed, is it not objectionable," asked the bench. The court can speak through orders only and even in his affidavit, Bhushan has made disparaging


remarks against the judiciary, the bench said.


The court should warn him and take a compassionate view, Venugopal told the bench.


When Bhushan does not think he did anything wrong then what is the point of giving him advice to not repeating it, the bench said.


"A person should realize his mistake, we gave Bhushan time but he says he will not apologize," it said.


The apex court on August 14 had held Bhushan guilty of criminal contempt for his two derogatory tweets against the judiciary saying they cannot be said to be a fair criticism of the


functioning of the judiciary made in the public interest.


He faces simple imprisonment of up to six months or with a fine of up to Rs 2,000 or with both as punishment.