Advocate Prashant Bhushan was convicted of criminal contempt by the Supreme Court and he made it clear to the court that he didn’t want to apologise and this “moment of history” this was his “responsibility to the future.”
The Supreme Court of India had given Prashant Bhushan time to apologise and reserved its order after hearing the arguments.
“We have given time to the contemnor to submit unconditional apology if he so desires. Let it be filed by 24.08.2020. In case apology is submitted, the case to be posted for consideration on the same, on 25.08.2020”, the trio of Justices Arun Mishra, B R Gavai and Krishna Murari ordered.
“I find it hard to believe that the Court finds my tweet ‘has the effect of destabilizing the very foundation of this important pillar of Indian democracy.’ I can only reiterate that these two tweets represented my bonafide beliefs, the expression of which must be permissible in any democracy”, Bhushan said in the statement as quoted as saying by Indian Express.
When he was asked about his position to reconsider his decision then he said: “I don’t want to reconsider the statement…If your Lordships want to give me time, I welcome. But I don’t think it will serve any purpose…It is not very likely that I will change my statement”.
Justice Mishra had stated that the court would “like to give time. Later on, there should not be a complaint that time was given.”
Bhushan said that he is not worried as his statement was “well-considered and well thought of.”
We will give two-three days’ time. Think over… You must think over,” said Justice Mishra.
Attorney General KK Venugopal also urged the Supreme Court to spare Prashant Bhushan from any severe punishment. “I will request you not to punish Prashant Bhushan”, Venugopal told the court.
Justice Mishra told the AG “please don’t argue on merits” and said it had never punished anyone without following due procedure.
“We cannot consider your proposal unless he rethinks his statement…You please first go through his reply. Consider if that’s a defense or an aggravation…Read it and then tell us what we should do,” Justice Mishra added.