SC issues contempt notice to Kerala Congress leaders over post seeking CJI Surya Kant's resignation

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday issued a show-cause contempt notice to office-bearers of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) over a social media post demanding the resignation of Chief Justice Surya Kant.

The court observed that freedom of expression cannot be used as a shield to interfere with the administration of justice.

A division bench comprising Justices Aravind Kumar and Vipul M Pancholi made strong observations while hearing a plea seeking contempt proceedings against the Kerala Congress over the post published on its official X account on October 12.


"Judgments are always open to criticism but freedom of expression can't be a shield for interference with administration of justice," the bench remarked. It further warned that any attempt to undermine the authority of the judiciary would be dealt with firmly.

"Any attempt to undermine authority of court needs to be dealt with iron hand," the bench added.