[Prashant Bhushan Contempt Case On Two Tweets] AG KK Venugopal Urges Court Not To Punish Bhushan [LIVE UPDATES]

'When we hear on sentence, on the point of bona fides, the person must realize that he has made some mistake. That realization must come from the person' : Justice Mishra.

'Are you arguing review or sentence?': Justice Mishra asks Dhavan.

Dhavan says that as per Section 12 of Contempt of Courts Act, an apology cannot be rejected merely because it is conditional or qualified. Bona fides is the relevant factor.

Dhavan reiterates that three former judges of the SC have supported Bhushan.

"Please don't invite our comments on that. Please don't argue all this", Justice Mishra tells Dhavan.

A supposed contemptuous statement, if repeated will be contempt. Affirmation of contempt will be contempt. This is where all newspapers and publications will come in : Dhavan.

Dhavan submits that unless the Court shows how the statements were 'substantial interference with administration of justice', the purpose of Section 13 of the Contempt of Courts Act will be defeated.

'We will have to consider whether his statement was defence or aggravation', Justice Mishra tells AG. Requests AG to consider the complete submissions and entire gamut of statement before taking a stand.

'We cannot consider your proposal(of not punishing him) unless he rethinks his statement', Justice Arun Mishra tells Attorney General.

Bench now discussing with Attorney General.

"I request your lordships not to punish him (Bhushan)", AG Venugopal says.

The bench says that during virtual hearing several cases were heard.

Section 6 HSA case was decided in virtual hearing, Justice Mishra says.

Due to some connection problems, Dhavan has got disconnected.

Justice Gavai says that Justice Lodha's comment was only on the point of procedure.

Dhavan says others have endorsed Bhushan's statements. Over 1000 lawyers have expressed supported him, he adds.

#Bhushan's statements have been echoed and supported by Justices Lodha, AP Shah, Lokur and Joseph. Are they in contempt also? They also take the view that the proceedings are wrong : Dhavan.