Group Of 600 Lawyers Allege External Pressure on Judiciary in Letter to CJI

New Delhi: A group of lawyers has penned a letter to Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, expressing grave concerns over what they describe as attempts to undermine and manipulate the courts for personal and political gains. The lawyers, numbering around 600, have alleged the involvement of a “vested interest group” in pressuring the judiciary, influencing judicial processes, and tarnishing the image of the courts with what they term as frivolous arguments and political agendas.

According to the letter dated 26th March, the lawyers assert that this group employs various tactics to exert pressure, particularly in cases involving political figures accused of corruption. They criticize the creation of false narratives about a purported “better past” of the courts, aimed at swaying judicial decisions and undermining public trust in the judiciary.

Furthermore, the lawyers condemn what they term as a “My way or the highway” approach, where decisions favoured by the group are praised while dissenting judgments are disparaged and disregarded. They also express concern over what they perceive as political flip-flopping, where politicians accuse individuals of corruption but subsequently defend them in court, damaging the integrity of the legal system.

Reacting to the lawyers’ letter, Bar Council of India Chairman, senior advocate Manan Kumar Mishra, highlighted the timing of these actions during the election season and condemned attempts to defame the judiciary. He emphasized the need for the judiciary to carry out its duties without succumbing to pressure from social media campaigns.