SC summons Sanjay Raut in contempt case

File photo: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut

NEW DELHI: Supreme Court Wednesday directed Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut to appear before it in person over a contempt petition for his remarks against CJI Surya Kant and the judiciary. Although journalist Nikhil Wagle is also facing the same charge of scandalising the institution, he has been exempted from physical appearance and asked to be present virtually as he was represented by a lawyer in the court proceedings on Wednesday.A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Vipul M Pancholi said that the issue raised is very important as it pertains to the entire institution of the judiciary and sought assistance from lawyers.The contempt petition was filed by Supreme Court Bar Association and all its office-bearers present in court contended that their social media posts were based on fake news and had maligned the judiciary and judges, including CJI.