CJI should recuse from legal work, says Cong
The Congress said on Sunday that Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra “should consider recusing himself” from performing judicial and administrative work till the allegations of misconduct against him were cleared. Seven opposition parties, including the Congress, had on Friday submitted a notice for the impeachment of the CJI.
The Congress also attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for coming out in “defence” of the CJI and said the ruling party was compromising the position and office of the chief justice as the neutral arbitrator and head of the judiciary and the party was doing great a disservice to the independence of the judicial system.
“The CJI must come out and tell the BJP not to politicise his office,” Congress leader Randeep Surjewala told reporters here.
He further said the CJI did not belong to any political party and questioned why he had to be defended by members and ministers of the ruling BJP.
The Chief Justice of India should be above suspicion,
NEWDELHI:
Surjewala said, adding that if CJI Misra’s conduct had come under a cloud, he should consider recusing himself from performing his judicial and administrative duties.
“Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion. And that’s why we left it to his (CJI) conscience. If his own conduct is under a cloud, should he not consider recusing himself from performing judicial and administrative duties and submit himself to the inquiry so that the high office and his individual integrity are cleared?” Surjewala asked.
Seven opposition parties led by the Congress had on Friday initiated an unprecedented step for the impeachment of the CJI, moving a notice accusing him of “misbehaviour” and misuse” of authority.