“My tweets were not intended to disrespect the Supreme Court”: Prashant Bhushan on being fined Re. 1 in the contempt case

After hours of being fined Re. 1 for his contemptuous tweets against the judiciary, activist lawyer Prashant Bhushan said that he will submit the token fine of Re. 1 imposed by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court said that, in case Bhushan defaults in payment of the fine, he will have to undergo an imprisonment of three months and would be debarred from practising for three months.

He also indicated that he would file a review plea against the order. Bhushan said he has the greatest respect for the institution of the Supreme Court and judiciary and his tweets were not intended to disrespect the Apex Court.

“While I reserve the right to seek a review of the conviction and sentencing by way of an appropriate legal remedy, I propose to submit myself to this order and will respectfully pay the fine, just as I would have submitted to any other lawful punishment,” he said.

He also added, “I have had the greatest respect for the institution of the Supreme Court. I have always believed it to be the last bastion of hope, particularly for the weak and oppressed who knock at its door for the protection of their rights, often against a powerful executive. When the Supreme Court of India wins, every Indian wins. If the Court gets weakened, it weaken the republic and harms every citizen.”

He further said, “The issue was never about me versus the Hon’ble Judges, much less about me versus the Supreme Court.”

He finally said, “Long live Democracy. Satyameva Jayate!”

He also tweeted that he was grateful for the support of activists, lawyers, judges and fellow citizens who encouraged him to stand firm. He added, “I am gratified that it seems to have given strength to many people to stand up and speak out against injustice.”

He also thanked his legal team of Senior Advocates Dushyant Dave and Rajeev Dhavan who represented him in this case.