Attorney General for India R Venkataramani has granted consent to the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against journalist Nikhil Wagle and Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut over their remarks concerning Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant.
The consent was granted on October 15 under Section 15(1)(b) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, on the basis of a petition filed by the SCBA the same day.
In his communication granting consent, the Attorney General observed that the statements attributed to Wagle and Raut were prima facie scandalous and appeared intended to diminish the standing of the Supreme Court and its Chief Justice.
The controversy arose after CJI Surya Kant declined a request from opposition leaders to meet him personally to discuss their concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The CJI had indicated that the issues could be raised through appropriate judicial proceedings as related matters were already pending before the Court.
Following the development, Wagle posted an expletive directed at the CJI on his X account in response to a news report concerning the refusal to meet the opposition delegation. In his observations, the Attorney General described the post as abusive and said it was inappropriate for public consumption.
Raut, meanwhile, made remarks about judges allegedly attending political programmes organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party and Chief Ministers hosting dinners for members of the higher judiciary. His comments were carried by news agency IANS on X on October 12.
The SCBA’s petition alleges that Raut’s statements were factually incorrect and had the potential to undermine public confidence in the judiciary. It specifically refers to remarks concerning photographs purportedly showing judges playing badminton with political figures in London.
The association has relied on a June 19 order of the Delhi High Court, which found that photographs circulated as depicting a badminton event in London were, in fact, from an event held at Thyagaraj Stadium in New Delhi in November 2025. The High Court had directed that the material be taken down.
The Attorney General observed that Raut ought to have verified the relevant facts before making allegations concerning members of the judiciary. He noted that the Delhi High Court’s order preceded Raut’s remarks.
The SCBA has clarified that its petition is not intended to prevent fair criticism of the judiciary. It has argued, however, that the expressions allegedly used by the respondents go beyond permissible criticism and could amount to scandalising the Supreme Court and lowering its authority.
The association has also sought directions requiring X Corp, Meta, Google and IANS to preserve relevant social media posts, videos and account records. It has further requested that Wagle and Raut be restrained from making similar allegations against the CJI and other Supreme Court judges while the proceedings remain pending.
Meanwhile, Wagle has deleted his post and tendered an unconditional apology to the CJI and the Supreme Court in a letter addressed to the Attorney General. He has requested that the contempt matter not be pursued further, expressing regret over his remarks.
The grant of consent permits the SCBA to pursue the proposed criminal contempt proceedings in accordance with law. It does not, by itself, amount to a judicial finding that either respondent is guilty of contempt.
The matter concerns the legal limits of public criticism of the judiciary and the distinction between legitimate scrutiny of judicial institutions and statements alleged to undermine their authority.
Source: Bar & Bench
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