Prashant Bhushan Contempt Case : Live Updates From SC

Mishra J- Does the tweet not attack the independence of judiciary? On the institution?

Dave- There's nothing wrong with criticising the judiciary's approach and that's what it was

Dave informs Mishra that there were a number of very funny tweets on the bike.

Mishra J- in not on twitter

Dave- nor am I

Mishra- I'm technologically backward. Must admit, I'm not on twitter

Mishra- How has motorcycle and justice combined?

Dave- It hasn't

Mishra- OK. How do mask and justice combine?

Dave- Of course it does. It's a very serious issue that courts aren't reopening on account of COVID and CJI is without mask. There are health concerns about CJI, citizens want CJI to be healthy.

Dave prays- Lordships may please drop the contempt wrt first tweet.

Mishra J- Dave tell whether motorcycle has political colour?On lighter side only I'm asking

Dave also cited how Kashmir matter was also not taken up for months, to buttress his point that anyone could be anguished

Dave- He seeks to enhance effectiveness of justice. That's it

Dave- We have treated people who contracted a disease like criminals. Refers to Tablighi jamaat issue and how they were incriminated for having a disease.

The kind of hatred that was generated by media. CJI took cognizance, and asked the govt to look into it. But the matter has not been listed yet.

Will we criminalize someone for having a disease?

Your lordships healing touch was needed. You could have directed the govt to not register such complaints. There were many other matters of Habeas Corpus and bail which were not taken up. Anyone could be anguished. Bhushan was also anguished.

Dave goes on to read out criticisms of SC around Jan 2018 by the judges who held the PC.

Dave- But can you say that was contempt?

Mishra J- Okay, go-ahead

Mishra J- Are you highlighting the press conference?

Dave- the PC was justified. Nothing wrong with holding it, when you feel that everything is not hunky Dory in SC