‘Will deal strictly'; Supreme Court reacts after student’s father contacts CJI’s brother

NEW DELHI: Supreme Court Chief Justice Surya Kant strongly criticised an alleged attempt by a student’s father to question a court order by contacting his family member directly. The case involves a student who sought admission under the minority quota after converting to Buddhism. The court had earlier expressed doubts about the conversion and ordered an inquiry into the student’s minority certificate.

While hearing the case recently, the Chief Justice disclosed in open court that the student’s father had called his brother in January, questioning how such an order could be passed. His brother promptly informed him about the call.

Reacting firmly, the Chief Justice asked whether the student’s father believed he could influence judicial decisions. He also asked the counsel if the act was meant to intimidate the court. He warned that such behaviour would be handled strictly and said the court would know how to act even if someone attempted to leave the country.

He further made it clear that any effort to interfere with the judicial process or shift the case to another bench would not be allowed. Drawing from his experience, he noted that he had encountered similar pressures over the past 23 years and hinted at possible contempt proceedings.

The student’s lawyer told the court that he was unaware of the incident and offered an apology.

The petitioner is a student from the general category who approached the court seeking admission under the minority quota. The student claimed to have converted from Hinduism to Buddhism and sought admission to Subharti Medical College in Meerut under the minority quota. Expressing doubts about the intention behind the conversion, the Chief Justice’s bench ordered an inquiry into the validity of the student’s minority certificate.