P N DUDA Vs. P SHIV SHANKER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) By an order dated 15th March, 1988 we declined in this matter to initiate contempt proceedings under S. 15(1)(a) and (b) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 (hereinafter called 'the Act') read with R. 3(a), (b) and (c) of the Supreme Court Contempt of Court Rules, 1975. We also on that date disposed of the application for intervention filed by Shri R.N. Trivedi. We stated that we will indicate our reasons by a separate judgment. We do so herein.

(2.) Shri P. Shiv Shanker who at the relevant time was the Hon'ble Minister for Law, Justice and Company Affairs delivered a speech before a meeting of the Bar Council of Hyderabad on 28th November, 1987. Shri P.N. Duda, who is an advocate practising in the Supreme Court, has drawn our attention to that speech. According to him by that speech respondent No. 1, Shri P. Shiv Shanker has made statements against the Supreme Court which are derogatory to the dignity of this Court, attributing this Court with partiality towards economically affluent sections of the people and has used language which is extremely intemperate, undignified, and unbecoming of a person of his stature and position. It was stated that Shri P. Shiv Shanker formerly held the office of a Judge of the High Court before he resigned and took to politics.

(3.) We have read the entire speech. It is not necessary to set out the entire speech. The relevant portions of the said speech for the present purpose are as follows :