Prashant Bhushan Contempt Case: Supreme Court Reserves Verdict

The Supreme Court on August 5, reserved its verdict on the contempt case initiated against lawyer Prashant Bhushan for posting two tweets in June. One of the tweets accused the judiciary of destroying democracy and the other criticised Chief Justice of India (CJI) SA Bobde for keeping the courts shut during the COVID-19 lockdown. A three-judge bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra heard Bhushan’s counsel, senior advocate Dushyant Dave, before reserving its order. “Heard the senior counsel appearing in the matter. Arguments concluded. Judgment reserved,” the bench, which also comprised justices BR Gavai and Krishna Murari, said. Court also dismissed a petition filed by Bhushan against the secretary general of the Supreme Court alleging that court procedures were not followed while listing the contempt case against him. This petition was heard on August 5 along with the contempt case. The apex court, on August 4, heard and reserved its verdict in another contempt case against Bhushan over a statement made in 2009 that many past CJIs had been corrupt. That case was listed by the top court after more than eight years. SC had issued notice suo motu (on its own) to Bhushan on July 22 over the two tweets and directed him to respond by August 5. Watch the video to know more.