On Wednesday, August 7, the Supreme Court of India expressed strong criticism towards the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The Supreme Court found the high court’s recent comments to be both scandalous and unnecessary. This matter came up during a hearing led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, who was heading a five-judge bench.
CJI Chandrachud’s Remarks
CJI Chandrachud emphasized that judges should not take offense at decisions made by higher courts, but he also stressed the importance of maintaining discipline within the judiciary. He found the remarks made by the Punjab and Haryana High Court judge to be troubling and excessive.
The issue started with an unusual order from a Punjab and Haryana High Court judge. This order criticized a stay issued by the Supreme Court, suggesting that the apex court considered itself overly supreme and viewed high courts as inferior. This sparked the Supreme Court’s review.
The case in question is titled “In Re: Order of Punjab and Haryana High Court Dated 17.07.2024 and Ancillary Issues.” It began after Justice Rajbir Sehrawat of the Punjab and Haryana High Court issued an order on July 17. In his order, Justice Sehrawat criticized the Supreme Court for continuing the contempt proceedings initiated by the high court. He argued that the stay order was given not during an appeal against the contempt initiation but against the preceding order.
Justice Sehrawat suggested that the Supreme Court’s actions reflected a psychological tendency to avoid responsibility. He believed this demonstrated an inflated perception of the Supreme Court’s supremacy over high courts.
ALSO READ: “Supreme Court Warns: Plastic Pollution Severely Damaging Environment and Aquatic Life”
Supreme Court’s Response
CJI Chandrachud responded to these criticisms by stating that neither the Supreme Court nor the high courts are supreme; instead, the Constitution is supreme. The five-judge bench, which included justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, Surya Kant, and Hrishikesh Roy, was tasked with reviewing the matter.
The Supreme Court’s criticism of the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s remarks highlights the importance of maintaining respect and discipline within the judiciary. The case continues to unfold as the Supreme Court examines the issues raised by Justice Sehrawat’s order.
Comments