This bench is unconstitutional: CS Karnan

A day after challenging a seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court to “arrest and put him in jail” for contempt, Calcutta High Court judge, Justice CS Karnan, continued to be defiant, calling the SC bench “unconstitutional” and “artificial”, and maintained that the contempt order against him was in violation of principle of natural justice and was not maintainable under law.

In an exclusive interview with WION/DNA, Justice Karnan also stood by his allegations of corruption against 20 judges in the Madras High Court and claimed that he can prove his case against these judges on the basis of the available administrative record. 

“The 20 judges are corrupted. The administrative record is available on the file of the Madras High Court registry. On the strength of the administrative file, I can establish my case against the 20 judges,” he said.

The Calcutta High Court judge also said that “all honourable seven judges have no locus standi to constitute an unconstitutional bench and issue a suo motu contempt order against me which is violating the natural principle of justice”. 

“Article 19 (1) G of the Constitution duly permits to all citizens freedom of speech, writing etc,” he added.

Asked whether he was ready to tender an unconditional apology to the apex court, Justice Karnan was vehement in his response: “No, no, no, no. They are contemnors. Yesterday, I passed judicial order and I declared that all seven judges are contemnors...all seven judges are accused under the SC/ST Atrocities Act...further directed the Registrar General not to allot any administrative or judicial work  to the honourable judges because they are accused under the SC/ST Atrocities Act.”