Activist seeks AG's consent to initiate contempt proceedings against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey

By A Representative

Mujahid Nafees, convener of the Minority Coordination Committee (Gujarat) and a petitioner in a Waqf-related case before the Supreme Court, has written to Attorney General of India R. Venkataramani seeking consent to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for his recent remarks against the judiciary.

In his letter dated April 21, Nafees accused Dubey, the Lok Sabha MP from Godda (Jharkhand), of making "derogatory and scandalizing" statements against the Supreme Court, which allegedly undermine public confidence in the judiciary. The complaint cites Dubey’s interview with ANI on April 19, where he reportedly said, "In this country, only and only the Supreme Court is responsible for inciting religious wars" and accused the Court of "taking the country towards anarchy."

Dubey also allegedly questioned the judiciary’s impartiality in cases involving religious disputes, such as the Ram Temple, Krishna Janmabhoomi, and Gyanvapi Mosque, while controversially stating on social media: "If the Supreme Court is to make laws, then Parliament should be shut down."

Nafees argued that these remarks, made by a sitting MP, amount to "gross interference in the administration of justice" and violate the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. He urged the Attorney General to grant sanction for initiating legal action.

The letter includes media reports from Hindustan Times, Livemint, The Hindu, and ANI as evidence. Legal experts suggest that if the AG grants consent, the matter could be taken up by the Supreme Court.

Dubey, known for his outspoken criticism of the judiciary, has not yet responded to the complaint. The development comes amid heightened scrutiny of parliamentary conduct and judicial independence.

Under Section 15 of the Contempt of Courts Act, consent from the AG or the concerned court is mandatory before initiating criminal contempt proceedings against individuals for scandalizing or obstructing justice.

Neville Cardus: The man who turned cricket writing into poetry

By Harsh Thakor* Neville Cardus was one of the most remarkable literary figures of the twentieth century. A prolific English writer and critic, he achieved distinction in two vastly different fields: cricket and classical music. Entirely self-taught, Cardus rose from humble beginnings to become both the cricket correspondent and chief music critic of The Manchester Guardian . His achievements in these contrasting disciplines earned him widespread acclaim and established him as one of the foremost critics of his generation. In February 2025, the cricketing and literary world marked the fiftieth anniversary of his death, which occurred in February 1975.

Ideological shifts and structural realities within India's left-wing insurgency

By Harsh Thakor* The Maoist insurgency in India is arguably at its weakest point since the formation of the Communist Party of India (Maoist) in 2004. Years of sustained counterinsurgency operations, leadership losses, shrinking territorial influence, declining recruitment, and growing technological advantages enjoyed by the state have significantly eroded the movement's operational capabilities.

The Dalit body on screen: Stereotypes, sacrifice, and subjugation in Hindi films

By Dr. Prem Singh* Despite centuries of reformist efforts, from Gandhi and Ambedkar to contemporary activists, the caste system remains deeply embedded in the Indian psyche. One of the primary reasons for this persistence is the religious sanction provided by Brahminical scriptures, which have shaped not only social structures but also cultural and artistic expressions.

Counterview

Search This Blog