CPM calls for probe to get to truth on report against Sabharwal

The CPM has called for “an appropriate enquiry” to establish the truth on a media report against former Chief Justice of India Y K Sabharwal,

The CPM has called for “an appropriate enquiry” to establish the truth on a media report against former Chief Justice of India Y K Sabharwal, saying the “Delhi High Court’s punishment of four mediapersons for being guilty of contempt of court has, once again, raised serious apprehensions on the exercise of this power by the judiciary.”

“In this particular instance, since Sabharwal has publicly defended his actions and since the concerned media has stated that it is willing to prove its allegations, let an appropriate enquiry establish the truth,” states the editorial in the forthcoming issue of the People’s Democracy, the CPM mouthpiece.

“This would only further strengthen the credibility of the judiciary, which by protecting and enlarging the rights of the citizens and guarding against misuse and abuse of executive power, has in the past, and will in the future continue to serve the country well,” reads the editorial which is headlined “Is questioning infallibility ‘contempt’”.

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“In this instance, it is also being seen, by sections, as an attack on the constitutional right of freedom of expression,” states the editorial.

“The ‘Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Judicial Reforms’ has for some months been raising allegations against former Supreme Court chief justice, Sabharwal. These were rebutted by Sabharwal after his retirement, in the print media. Hence, it was clear that the truth behind these allegations could have been established through either an enquiry or through a judicial process like a defamation suit. This, however, has not been done,” notes the editorial.