Contempt plea in Supreme Court against Congress Kerala unit over post targeting CJI
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New Delhi: The Congress’ Kerala unit faces a contempt challenge in the Supreme Court over a controversial social media post targeting Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, even as the state party leadership has apologised and distanced itself from the remarks.
The petition was registered as a writ petition after advocates Vineet Jindal and Sreejesh S.R. wrote to the Chief Justice seeking action over the post published on the official X handle of the Kerala Congress.
The controversy began during an INDIA bloc march to the Supreme Court earlier this month, held as part of the opposition’s protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The march followed reports that the Chief Justice could not meet INDIA bloc leaders owing to legal constraints.
Soon after, the Kerala Congress’ official X account carried a strongly worded post directed at the Chief Justice, saying, “Surya Kant, resign. We will find someone to replace you.” The message drew widespread criticism and was later withdrawn.
State Congress president Sunny Joseph, responding to a legal notice from a Supreme Court advocate, said the post was published without the knowledge or authorisation of the party leadership. He clarified that it did not reflect the Congress’ official position and apologised to the Chief Justice.
Joseph also said Vijay Thottathil, the person responsible for the post, had been removed from his position.
Despite the apology and disciplinary action, the fresh legal move has brought the issue back into focus, with the Supreme Court now set to examine the contempt plea.
(Inputs from IANS)