[Prashant Bhushan Contempt Case Over Two Tweets] LIVE UPDATES From Supreme Court

Dhavan : We are not asking for mercy. We are asking for statesmanship from this Court.

Dhavan says this is all he wants to say, and the Court may hear Bhushan if the bench desires.

"Why trouble him?", Justice Mishra says.

Dhavan says the only way to Court to close the case is to say "we have taken into account his statement. Though we disagree with many things he said, we caution him to be a little restrained in the manner in which he criticizes the court, and be sure on facts'

Dhavan on whether the Court should reprimand Bhushan.

What is that the Court would tell him? When you tell him 'don't do it again', he will ask 'what should I not do again?'. Can the court ask him not to criticize the court? Can the court silence him?

Dhavan on whether the Court should reprimand Bhushan.

What is that the Court would tell him? When you tell him 'don't do it again', he will ask 'what should I not do again?'. Can the court ask him not to criticize the court? Can the court silence him?

Dhavan says that there is no question of withdrawing Bhushan's statements or excising his affidavit from the record, which is a part of his defence.

Dhavan says that the contempt verdict must be suo moto recalled.

Dhavan : In the present controversy many persons like Justices Lokur, Kurian Joseph, Arun Shourie etc have made comments in public domain. Are they also in contempt?

Dhavan : When your lordships retire, there will be a spate of articles criticizing your lordships and some congratulating. Can they be stopped? This court can survive only on responsible criticism.

Dhavan now shows the 'Daily Mirror' page which called UK judges "You Fools" for the judgment in the "Spycatcher case".

Dhavan : Court is not immune from criticism. It is the responsibility of all of us to make responsible criticism.