New Delhi: The Supreme Court on August 31 has imposed a fine of Re. 1 on activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan. He was found guilty for criminal contempt of court for his tweets against Chief Justice of India (CJI), SA Bobde.
According to the three-judge bench, Bhushan must either pay the fine or undergo imprisonment for three months. If he fails to pay the fine of Re. 1 he will be barred from practicing for three years. The fine amount must be paid by September 15.
On August 14, the Supreme court found Bhushan guilty of criminal contempt of court. The court further stated that the allegations in his tweets against the court and CJI are hostile in nature. They also have a tendency to scandalize the court. His tweets have the effects of destabilizing the foundations of the judiciary.
The Supreme court also gave him time to think over, however, he did not apologize. According to his statement, his tweets represent good faith and good beliefs. Therefore, an apology for expressing his beliefs will be insincere.
Attorney General KK Venugopal also urged the Supreme court to not punish Bhushan. He urged the court to let Bhushan off with a warning. However, the court refused to do so unless Bhushan offers an apology. But Bhushan was adamant that he will not apologize, due to which the court fined him with an amount of Re. 1.