SC raps VK Singh for ‘contemptuous’ remarks

The Supreme Court reprimanded former army chief General VK Singh Wednesday, saying his “contemptuous remarks” attributing motive to its verdict in the age row had “scandalized” the judiciary and lowered the court’s authority.

The Supreme Court reprimanded former army chief General VK Singh Wednesday, saying his “contemptuous remarks” attributing motive to its verdict in the age row had “scandalized” the judiciary and lowered the court’s authority.

“We welcome criticism of our judgment but we don’t welcome motives attributed to it,” it said.

The SC had on October 1 taken suo motu cognizance of Singh’s remarks quoted in the Indian Express on September 22. Singh, 63, had reportedly said the SC’s February 2012 order wasn’t decided on merit and the “judge had been pressured”.

The court also rapped Singh’s junior counsel when he sought an adjournment since his senior, Ram Jethmalani, was held up with another case and then said Singh — who was in court — was ready to defend himself. “The contemnor will have to explain the position himself. Do not take it casually,” it said, asking Singh to file his response by November 15 and scheduling the next hearing for November 20.

It also criticized the daily for carrying the report, for which its counsel, Fali S Nariman, tendered an unconditional apology.

Singh had lost his legal fight last year with the SC ruling that the government’s decision on his date of birth would apply.