On April 20, 2025, a significant legal and political controversy emerged involving BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. Advocate Anas Tanveer submitted a formal request to Attorney General R. Venkataramani, seeking permission to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against Dubey for his remarks about the Supreme Court and Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna.
Dubey criticized the Supreme Court’s actions, particularly its directives setting timelines for the President and Governors to act on state bills. He questioned the judiciary’s role in legislative matters, stating, “If the Supreme Court has to make laws, then Parliament and state assemblies should be shut.” He further accused CJI Khanna of being responsible for “civil wars” in the country, alleging that the judiciary was inciting religious conflicts.
Legal and Political Reactions
The Supreme Court clarified that its permission is not required to file a contempt petition against Dubey. However, it emphasized the necessity of obtaining the Attorney General’s consent for such proceedings.
In response to the controversy, BJP President J.P. Nadda distanced the party from Dubey’s statements, labeling them as his personal views and affirming the party’s respect for the judiciary.
Opposition leaders, including Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal and Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav, condemned Dubey’s remarks. Venugopal urged the Lok Sabha Speaker to take action against Dubey, citing a violation of constitutional principles and an attempt to intimidate the judiciary.
This incident has intensified the ongoing debate over the separation of powers between the judiciary and the legislature in India.
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