Lawyers Write to CJI Amid Debate Over Judicial Independence
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Lawyers, including Harish Salve, write to CJI offering support saying judiciary is under attack. PM Modi endorses it, refers to Congress demanding "committed judiciary" in 1973.
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In 1973 & 1977, Indira Gandhi superseded senior judges to appoint CJIs more favorable to her government. Context was Kesavananda verdict & ADM Jabalpur case.
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Question is who is trying to influence judiciary today? PM tweet suggests it's Congress but with 52 LS seats, it doesn't have such power.
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BJP may think 'lately' means now - after electoral bonds verdict, raids on companies, criticism of judges. Letter hints at withdrawal of cases from certain benches.
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Judiciary has to decide if it feels threatened and if so, does it need executive's support against "non-state actors" or is it a turnaround from fighting Indira Gandhi in 1970s.