Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot Tenders Unconditional Apology to High Court Over Corruption Remarks

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has issued an unconditional apology to the Rajasthan High Court following his recent comments alleging widespread corruption within the judiciary, including higher judicial institutions. A bench comprising Chief Justice Augustine George Masih and Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava has directed Gehlot to formalize his apology through an affidavit, acknowledging the seriousness of the matter. The case is scheduled for further consideration on November 7, when the Court will decide on the acceptability of Gehlot's apology.

The legal proceedings arose from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Shiv Charan Gupta, who sought the initiation of contempt of court proceedings against Gehlot for his remarks, which were deemed to scandalize the judiciary deliberately. Gupta invoked Article 215 of the Indian Constitution, urging the Court to take suo motu cognizance of Gehlot's statements.

In August, Gehlot had alleged rampant corruption within the judiciary, even suggesting that some lawyers draft judgments for judges to deliver. These remarks led to the High Court issuing a notice to Gehlot on September 2, instructing him to respond to the contempt case.

The apology signifies a development in a case that has drawn significant attention and raised important questions about the relationship between political leaders and the judiciary in India.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News Writer, MIT ADT University