PM Modi Blasts Congress’ Bullying, Backs Lawyers’ Concerns Over ‘External Pressure’ on Judiciary

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday supported senior lawyers who accused a vested interest group of undermining public trust in the Indian judiciary. He criticized the tactics as reminiscent of the “vintage Congress culture” of browbeating and bullying.

To browbeat and bully others is vintage Congress culture.

5 decades ago itself they had called for a "committed judiciary" – they shamelessly want commitment from others for their selfish interests but desist from any commitment towards the nation.

No wonder 140 crore Indians… https://t.co/dgLjuYONHH

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 28, 2024

PM Modi’s remarks came after over 600 lawyers, including prominent figures like Harish Salve and Manan Kumar Mishra, expressed concern to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud about attacks on the judiciary’s integrity.

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

These lawyers highlighted pressure tactics allegedly employed by the vested interest group to influence judicial outcomes, particularly in cases involving political figures and corruption allegations.

PM Modi’s comments hinted at historical instances, such as controversial judicial appointments during the tenure of late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Notably, the appointment of Justice AN Ray as Chief Justice of India in 1973 over three senior judges and the supersession of Justice HR Khanna in 1976 are well-remembered instances under the Indira Gandhi administration.

PM Modi emphasized that such actions reflect a culture of the Congress party, which is being rejected by the Indian populace.