Top SC judges revolt against CJI Dipak Mishra, opposition parties raises concern over development

The entire incident was an unprecedented public airing of troubles within the apex judicial body of the country as alleged by Justices Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, Madan Lokur and Kurien Joseph to media persons here.

The four justices even exposed their rift with  Chief Justice Dipak Misra and said several issues in his administration were serious and hence they were forced to come in front of the media.

Raising concern, Justice Jasti Chelameswar told media: "The four of us are convinced that unless this institution is preserved and it maintains its equanimity, democracy will not be able to survive in this nation."

The justices also showed a letter they had written to Dipak Mishra.

In the letter, they have alleged "selective assignment of cases to preferred judges".

They even alleged in the letter that "sensitive cases were being allotted to junior judges".

They said repeated attempts to alert Mishra on issues they consider to be crucial drew no result.

When asked whether they propose an impeachment of the CJI or not, the judges said: "It is the nation which will decide."

One of the four senior judges of the SC, Justice Jasti Chelameswar, said: "Democracy cannot survive without free judiciary."

"We had no option left but to address the media. This is a historicl event." he added.

Justice Chelameswar, however, clarified that they are not politicising the issue.

Following the press meet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to discuss the issue.

This is the first time in Indian history where the Supreme Court's sitting judges have addressed the media.

The entire episode has triggered a controversy and even the opposition voiced their concern on the matter.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi said the issues raised by the four justices are important and they should be looked into.

Gandhi said he was making a statement on the matter as it was vert 'sensitive'.

"Extremely important points were raised by the four judges," Gandhi said.

"They must be looked into carefully," he said.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the development that took place today in connection the apex court left her 'anguished'.

"We are deeply anguished with the developments today about the Supreme Court. What we are getting from the statement of the four senior Hon’ble Judges of Supreme Court about the affairs of the Court makes us really sad as citizens. 1/2," she tweeted.

"Judiciary and Media are the pillars of democracy. Extreme interference of Central Government with Judiciary is dangerous for democracy. 2/2," she said attacking the Centre.