Professor Who Cursed Sr Adv Dhavan For Representing Muslims In Ayodhya Case Offers Apology; SC Closes Contempt Case

The Supreme Court on Thursday closed the contempt case against Chennai-based Professor Shanmugham, after he expressed regret for showering curses on Senior Advocate Rajeev Dhavan for representing Muslim parties in the Ayodhya-Babri Masjid case.

The 88 year old Professor tendered unconditional apology for writing the letter to Senior Advocate Dhavan.

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Dhavan, submitted that the contempt petition was not pressed in view of the regret expressed by the octogenarian.  Sibal said that the petition was meant to send out a message that no one should intimidate a counsel directly or indirectly for taking up a brief.

Before dropping further proceedings, the CJI-led bench admonished the Professor for his letter and said that such conduct by anyone will not be tolerated in future.

Dhavan filed the contempt petition stating that Shanmugham in his letter had asked how could Dhavan "betray his faith" by appearing on behalf of Muslims for "their so called right in Ayodhya". Shanmugham said Dhavan that he will "pay for his blasphemy" and cursed him with severe physical maladies.

The "intimidating letter" interfered with the course of administration of justice by threatening an advocate for discharging his duties, and hence will amount to 'criminal contempt', stated the petition.

On September 3, the Constitution Bench hearing the Ayodhya case issued notice on the contempt petition.