Case Title: Vishal Tiwari vs. Union of India
*W.P.(C) No. 000466 / 2025
Date: May 5, 2025
Bench: Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar
Matter: Petition Seeking Contempt Action Against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey
Summary:
The Supreme Court on Monday, May 5, declined to entertain a writ petition filed by Advocate Vishal Tiwari seeking initiation of criminal contempt proceedings against BJP MP Nishikant Dubey for his alleged derogatory remarks against Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna.
The bench, while refusing to list the matter for hearing, stated it would nonetheless pass a short order to express its views on the issue. Advocate Tiwari argued that Dubey’s statements were scandalous, provocative, and amounted to an attack on the dignity of the judiciary. He urged the Court to take action to uphold the sanctity of the institution.
The remarks in question were made by Dubey during a news interview in the context of the Supreme Court’s recent decisions, including the ruling setting timelines for constitutional authorities to act on Bills and the pending challenge to the Waqf Amendment Act, 2025.
Earlier, a bench led by Justice B.R. Gavai had agreed to consider a related plea seeking removal of social media content circulating Dubey’s comments. In addition, an Advocate-on-Record wrote to Attorney General R. Venkataramani seeking sanction to initiate contempt proceedings.
The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) also passed a resolution strongly condemning Dubey’s remarks and expressing serious concern over public attacks on the judiciary.
Meanwhile, BJP National President JP Nadda distanced the party from Dubey’s statements, calling them personal views not endorsed by the party.
