‘Constitution supreme’: SC issues contempt notice to Kerala Congress over post against CJI Surya Kant

The Supreme Court of India on Friday issued a contempt notice to office bearers of the Kerala wing of the Indian National Congress regarding a post targeting Chief Justice of India Surya Kant last month.

The matter was heard by a bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and Vipul M Pancholi. Addressing the court, the bench noted that the Constitution is supreme and no political organisation or institution is above it.

"The Constitution is supreme. No individual, no institution or political organisation stands above it. The independence of the judiciary is not a matter of political convenience. It is a constitutional guarantee owed to the Republic, to the people of this Republic," read the order issued by the court, according to Bar and Bench.

The top court also noted that any attempt to "undermine the authority of the court is required to be dealt with an iron hand."

The Supreme Court's order comes after a post by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee targeting CJI Surya Kant over a remark made during a hearing by the top court on a bunch of petitions seeking a probe into excesses by the Delhi Police during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests in the capital city.

Following the controversial post, the two bar associations of the Supreme Court – Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association (SCOARA) – condemned the demand for the CJI’s resignation.

The post was later deleted due to backlash, and KPCC leaders also issued an apology.