New Delhi, 24 July (H.S.): Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has denied reports circulating in the media claiming that he had refused to hear a petition regarding alleged police excesses during the Jantar Mantar protests. The Chief Justice said that such reports were completely incorrect, irresponsible and based on negligence.

The Chief Justice stated that no petition had actually been filed before the Supreme Court in connection with the matter. He said that no writ petition related to the issue had been submitted till 10 am. He further clarified that an individual had only sent a representation, which could not be considered a writ petition.

Chief Justice Surya Kant said that publishing such reports without verifying the facts amounted to irresponsible and negligent journalism.

The clarification came after reports on July 22 stated that the Supreme Court had refused to immediately hear a plea against alleged police excesses during the Parliament march. At the time, the Chief Justice had reportedly remarked, “Do not waste your time. Your time is more valuable than ours.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar