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Contempt case: Justice CS Karnan 'sentences' CJI, six Justices to five years in jail

On May 4, Justice Karnan had refused to be examined by the team of doctors who had visited his residence to execute the top court's order of carrying out a medical test to examine his mental condition.

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Days after refusing medical examination, as ordered by the Supreme Court, Justice CS Karnan on Monday "sentenced" the eight top court judges to five years' rigorous imprisonment and Rs 1 lakh each fine "for offences under the SC/ST Atrocities Act 1989 and Amended Act of 2015".

The combative judge, who is facing contempt proceedings in the top court, passed the order against the seven judges who are manning the constitution bench in his case. The judges include the Chief Justice of India JS Khehar, along with Justices Dipak Misra, J Chelameshwar, Ranjan Gogoi, Madan B Lokur, Pinaki Chandra Ghose, and Kurian Joseph.

Justice R Banumathi has been sentenced and fined as well. If the judges fail to deposit the fine, they "will have to undergo an additional six months in jail".

Despite the fact that the top court has withdrawn Justice Karnan's judicial and administrative responsibilities, the contentious Calcutta High Court judge passed the suo motu 12-page order from his residence at New Town, Kolkata.

"The judges had shown caste discrimination and hence had no locus standi to continue as Supreme Court judges, the order said adding that the fine amount has to be paid within a week with the National Commission, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes Constitutional body, at Khan Market, New Delhi," the "order" read.

Justice Karnan has "directed" the Delhi Police Commissioner to execute his orders. "The accused are at liberty to approach Parliament," the order added.

On May 4, Justice Karnan had refused to be examined by the team of doctors who had visited his residence to execute the top court's order of carrying out a medical test to examine his mental condition.

"You are well aware of the medical norms. If a psychiatric patient is presented before you, his or her guardian should be present. Is my guardian present?" Justice Karnan had told Dr Ganesh Prasad, Superintendent, Calcutta Pavlov Hospital and then added, "My wife is a professor. My sons are engineers. I am absolutely normal with a stable mind. I do not require medical treatment. Please do not insist for an exam against my wish. Why don't you have a cup of tea?"

He also alleged that the seven SC judges had "misused their judicial power." Justice Karnan went so far as to call the seven SC judges, who had filed suo motu contempt charges against him, as 'terrorists'.

The drama surrounding Justice Karnan was set in motion after he penned a letter to the Prime Minister's office in January, alleging corruption against several of the high court and apex court judges. On February 8, in a historic move, the apex court passed a contempt order against Justice Karnan.

Analysis

Drama surrounding Justice Karnan was set in motion after he penned a letter to the PMO in January, alleging corruption against several judges
On February 8, in a historic move, the Supreme Court passed a contempt order against Justice Karnan.

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