Open letter criticises Supreme Court coming down on Nupur Sharma
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New Delhi: A group of 117 retired elites wrote an open letter to Supreme Court criticising it for its comments against suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma, who made insulting comments about Prophet Muhammed, inviting global flak. The letter tries to open the doors of controversy over the remarks made by the top court, slamming Nupur Sharma.
The letter, signed by 15 former judges, 77 former bureaucrats and 25 armed forces retirees, said the apex court's observation that Sharma alone is responsible for the unrest in the country was a "virtual exoneration of the dastardliest beheading at Udaipur", NDTV quoted. A peopled gang had murdered a tailor in Rajasthan's Udaipur last month, claiming they were avenging an insult to Islam. The killers accused the tailor of backing Nupur Sharma with his social media posts.
When Sharma pleaded before SC on July 1 that all the cases against her across the country should be clubbed together and sent to New Delhi, the court refused her plea and slammed her with its comments. It said that her "loose tongues" had "set the entire country on fire". The court observed that her insulting statements were aimed at cheap publicity, political agenda or some "nefarious" activities.
The open letter stated that the comments made by Justices Surya Kant and JB Pardiwala were unfortunate and unprecedented, as well as not in line with judicial ethos. "Such outrageous transgressions are without parallel in the annals of the judiciary," NDTV quoted, adding that the letter claims the court's observation does not connect with the issue raised in Sharma's petition.
The letter further claimed that Sharma was denied judiciary and added "an outrage on the Preamble, spirit and essence of the Constitution of India".
When her counsel submitted that Sharma was getting relentless threats and was not able to travel to various parts of the country as part of the investigation, Justice Kant said, She faces threats, or she has become a security threat?... It is shameful. She should apologise to the whole country," NDTV quotes.
The court had further come down on her saying that her statements show her obstinacy and arrogance. The court stated that just because she has the backing of power, she cannot say anything without respect to the law of the land.
The open letter wonders why Sharma is treated "at a different pedestal". It said that the top court's approach is not laudable and impacts the sanctity and honour of the court.