New Delhi, Mar 28: About 600 prominent lawyers on Thursday wrote to the chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud that there are attempts from various pressure groups to undermine the judiciary’s integrity.

The Lawyers expressed concern over vested interest groups trying to pressure the judiciary, influence the judicial process and defame the courts based on frivolous logic and stale political agenda.

The lawyers included Bar Council of India Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Adish Aggarwala, Senior Advocates Harish Salve, Sanjay Jain, Chetan Mittal, Pinky Anand, Hitesh Jain, Ujjwala Pawar, Uday Holla and Swaroopama Chaturvedi

The letter alleged that vested interest groups are creating a false narrative of a supposed ‘better past’ and ‘golden period of the courts, contrasting it with the happenings in the present. They are trying to pressure the judiciary and influence the judicial process, the letter signed by 600 prominent lawyers said.

The letter further said that the timing and modus operandi of the false narrative, in defaming the judiciary has been chosen quite strategically, when the nation is all set to head for elections. Similar antics were also visible in 2018-2019 when they took their hit-and-run activities, including spreading fake narratives.

The lawyers have called upon the Supreme Court to take some firm measures and uphold the rule of law. The letter further stated that the pressure tactics of these groups are almost obvious in political cases, particularly those involved in corruption. These tactics are causing damage to our legal system and threaten the country’s democratic pattern, the letter stated.

The letter said this is not the time to maintain dignified silence as such efforts have been happening for a few years and too frequently. Staying silent could accidentally give more power to those who mean to harm. The letter further said that intentional statements are made to sway court decisions and to embarrass the court for certain political gains.

“Sir, in these tough times, your leadership is crucial. We trust you and all the Judges to guide us through these issues and keep our courts strong, ” the letter states.

The CJI has been told, “It’s troubling to see some lawyers defend politicians by the day, and then try to influence judges through the media at night.”

On the theory of ‘bench fixing’ being concocted, the letter stated this leads to slanderous attacks and insinuations on the respected judges and its time action be taken against these groups.

UNI