SC likely to hear plea on May 5 seeking contempt action against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey over remarks against CJI

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court is expected to hear a plea on May 5 demanding initiation of suo motu contempt proceedings against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for allegedly making derogatory and scandalous remarks against the apex court and the Chief Justice of India.

The petition, listed for likely hearing this week, seeks the court’s intervention over what it terms an attack on the dignity of the judiciary. It also urges the top court to direct the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to issue an advisory to all state Chief Secretaries to curb hate and provocative speeches by political leaders, especially in relation to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.

The controversy stems from Dubey's remarks on the Supreme Court's handling of the Waqf (Amendment) Act. In an interview to ANI on Saturday last week, he said, “The Supreme Court is going beyond its limits. If everything is to be decided there, shut down Parliament,” alleging that the judiciary was provoking religious discord and accusing CJI D Y Chandrachud of being responsible for “civil wars.”

He also criticised the court’s ruling on Article 377 and claimed it had usurped legislative powers, saying, “You want to take this country towards anarchy.”

The BJP swiftly distanced itself from Dubey’s comments. Party president J P Nadda stated that the remarks were Dubey’s personal opinion and reiterated the BJP’s respect for the judiciary. He also cautioned party leaders against making such statements.

Nishikant Dubey has faced a barrage of criticism following his remarks about the Supreme Court and the CJI, that erupted heated row. His statement drew swift condemnation, including from his own party, with BJP president publicly disassociating from Dubey’s views.

From Dubey’s home state, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) spokesperson Manoj Pandey called the remarks "unfortunate," saying, "The dictatorship in the nation has reached such a level that now a member of parliament is challenging the court... Are these people more learned than the judges? Will they do anything in the darkness of the majority, and will the courts stay silent?"

TMC MP Mahua Moitra condemned the remarks, saying, "Remember - a pitbull does nothing without its master’s command. Glad entire country is watching BJP proxy attacks on judiciary. Brazen attempt to browbeat bench. India’s lowest hour to be ruled by ignorant bullies."

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the BJP of deliberately targeting the Supreme Court: "They are trying to weaken the Supreme Court... Constitutional functionaries, ministers, BJP MPs are speaking against the Supreme Court as the Supreme Court is saying one thing that when a law is made, you should not go against the basic structure of the constitution and if the law is against the constitution, we will not accept it."