Anurag Kumar
Thursday, the chief minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, recanted his “corruption in the judiciary” remark from the previous day, stating that it was not his “personal opinion” and that he has always “respected and believed in the judiciary.”
His clarification followed the filing of a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Rajasthan high court seeking to initiate contempt proceedings against the chief minister. On Friday, lawyers’ associations also announced a one-day strike.
“What I said regarding the corruption of the judiciary yesterday was not my personal opinion. I have always admired and trusted the judicial system. Many retired Supreme Court judges and even retired chief justices have occasionally commented on corruption in the judiciary and conveyed concern over it…,” Gehlot posted in Hindi on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, after the matter escalated.
Advocate Shivcharan Gupta lodged a public interest litigation (PIL) with the Jaipur bench of the high court seeking contempt of court proceedings against Gehlot for his remarks. However, the matter was not scheduled for hearing.
In a joint statement, the president of the Rajasthan attorneys’ association and the head of the state advocates’ association called the chief minister’s statement “irresponsible behavior.” They also requested that the chief justice of the high court take note of the statement and take “appropriate action”
They also proclaimed a symbolic one-day strike in the high court and subordinate courts on Friday, asserting that their protest will continue until the chief minister apologizes.
Wednesday, Gehlot stated to reporters, “There is so much corruption in the judiciary today. I’ve heard that some attorneys compose the judgment, bring it with them, and the same verdict is rendered.”
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“What is occurring in the judicial system? Whether lesser or higher, the situation is grave, and individuals should reflect on it,” he had added.
