'Won't Repeat Again' : Man Who Sent Threatening Letter Against Judges Apologizes To Karnataka High Court In Contempt Case

The Karnataka High Court on Monday deferred accepting the unconditional apology tendered by a 72-year-old person, against who the court has initiated suo-motu criminal contempt petition for writing a letter to the High Court registry with threats against judges.

A division bench of Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice Suraj Govindaraj said "Before we decide on accepting the apology, we will have to ensure that the accused does not indulge in making similar scandalous allegations. It is for him to give undertaking to this court not to make such allegations, we are not compelling him to do so."

It added "Whether an apology tendered by the accused is bonafide or not will depend on the conduct of the accused."

During the hearing, the court reminded the alleged contemnor, SVS Rao, appearing in person, that he had repeated similar allegations despite making an apology earlier.

"Earlier, also you had tendered an apology before the court, again after a few years you made the same allegations", the bench told him.

Rao responded by saying "It is genuine milord. It is my word I will not repeat it again, it is my assurance to the court. I will abide. Your Honorable Chief Justice, I will abide my word, if I repeat, I will be entitled for any punishment. I am a man of my word I will not go back on my word."

He added "Last time this court asked me to take legal advice. I have consulted more than 50 lawyers." To which the bench quipped by saying "Very good."

In its order the bench noted "The accused has filed an affidavit dated March 3, in paragraph no 7 accused has purported to tender an unconditional apology, he has stated that he has decided to withdraw all scandalous allegations made by him against 26 high court judges and 16 supreme court judges, and judges of DRT, DRAT and members of bar."

It also said "He (accused) has filed a memo dated March 3, seeking quashing FIR registered against him by the police, the prayer cannot be entertained in contempt petition and the accused will have to file appropriate proceedings."

The accused had filed another seeking for constitution of a larger bench of five/seven or nine judges bench, with "'Kadak judges, not yielding to any influence from anyone in the country", to hear his petition.

The bench said that such a prayer in a contempt petition is misconceived and rejected the same.

The bench said "The accused assures the court he will not indulge in such activities, however, he has not given a written undertaking to that effect that he will not make any allegations of scandalous nature against the judges of this court, apex court and retired judges of this court."

It concluded by saying "It is for him to give an undertaking to this court not to make such allegations, we are not compelling to do so.

"Whether an apology tendered by the accused, is bonafide or not will depend on the conduct of the accused", said the court while adjourning the matter for further hearing on April 22.

The bench had initiated the suo-motu proceedings against him on the basis of order dated November 6, 2020 passed by a Division Bench. The court had in its order recorded that "No person can be permitted to intimidate or terrorize the Judges by making scandalous, unwarranted and baseless imputations."