Taking serious note of the blatant defiance shown by Justice CS Karnan to the Supreme Court’s directions, the apex court today asked the Kolkata judge if he was mentally fit.
The apex court made these remarks after Justice Karnan, who was arguing his case on his own, refused to comply with the Supreme Court’s direction of responding to defamation charges against him within four weeks.
Adopting a belligerent approach, Justice Karnan told the Supreme Court that he will not respond to defamation charges unless his judicial work is restored to him.
“Send me to jail. Restore my work or next time, I will not appear before your court. I am not a terrorist or anti-social person,” Justice Karnan said.
To this, Chief Justice J S Kehar remarked "If you feel you are not mentally fit to answer the queries of court, you give us a medical certificate."
Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi pointed out that Justice Karnan was perfectly aware of what he was saying and doing.
However, Justice Kehar said: "we can see his (Justice Karnan) state of mind is not clear and he is not able to comprehend what exactly he is doing."
Justice Karnan is facing contempt proceedings for making allegations of discrimination against judges of Madras High Court as well as the Supreme Court.
Justice Karnan later told media persons that he will pass an order against the seven-judge SC bench hearing his case.
The Supreme Court had issued a bailable warrant against Justice Karnan earlier this month to make sure that he is present in the court on March 31.
It was for the first time that the Supreme Court issued a warrant against a sitting judge. It is also the first case in which a sitting judge is facing contempt proceedings.
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