Calcutta High Court Justice CS Karnan was today sentenced to six months in jail by the Hon’ble Supreme Court, finding him guilty of contempt of court. The apex court asked Kolkata police chief to arrest Justice Karnan, who on Monday had sentenced eight Supreme Court judges , including the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to five years of ‘rigorous imprisonment’.
As reported by Bar and Bench, the court held that:
“We are of the unanimous view that Justice Karnan is in contempt of this court and of judiciary and judicial process of grievous nature. We are satisfied in punishing him for contempt of court.
We sentence him to imprisonment for six months. The sentence shall be extended forthwith.”
The seven-judge bench at the apex court had initiated contempt of court proceedings against him seeking his explanation after he wrote to the CJI, Prime Minister’s office, Union Law Ministry and others leveling corruption charges against several top judges without providing due evidence.
The Supreme Court, in an unprecedented move, had earlier issued a bailable warrant against the sitting Calcutta High Court judge in March to ensure his presence before the court after his repeated non-appearance.
However, many legal experts stated that the court has set a bad precedent and that the Parliament alone has the power to remove a judge. Moreover, the conduct of a judge cannot be discussed, except on a removal motion.
Read more at: http://www.livelaw.in/sc-order-justice-karnan-dangerous-precedent-indira-jaising/
Source: India Today