New Delhi, Oct 12 Democratic activities must take place smoothly, but there should be no obstruction in the functioning of the Supreme Court or movement of lawyers, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said on Monday after agreeing to hear pleas, including one filed by the SCBA over difficulties faced by lawyers amid protests.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana took note of the submissions made by senior advocate and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Pradeep Rai, who highlighted the issues arising from the protests.
"Democratic activities must take place smoothly, but there should be no obstruction to the functioning of the Supreme Court or movement of lawyers, court staff and litigants," the CJI said.
"You must also see that all democratic activities take place smoothly. There is no difficulty with that. But at least the functioning of the Supreme Court must not be affected. This is what we have said. We are not a political party. The institution is performing institutional duties. I have appealed to protesters also," the CJI added.
One of the senior lawyers said that considering the experience they went through in the last two days, it can be taken up on Tuesday.
"We are performing our professional duties. Political parties should not interfere in our domain. An independent lawyer has also filed the petition expressing genuine difficulties," the SCBA president said.
The CJI said that he has appealed to protesters also.
"They may belong to any political party, and we are not concerned with that. But the court should not be dragged into any kind of political activity," CJI Kant said.
The bench stressed there should not be any incitement or obstruction in the functioning of the court, the movement of lawyers, court staff or litigants.
The protests in Delhi are being held to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar.
The SCBA had on Saturday condemned the reported use of "excessive force" against lawyers, who were on their way to Jantar Mantar to participate in a protest called by the CJP against the CEC.
The Association also urged the CJI to intervene urgently in the matter.
The SCBA's appeal comes amid concerns over the impact of the protests on lawyers and the smooth functioning of judicial institutions in the capital.
