'Crossed Lakshman Rekha': Retired judges, bureaucrats condemn SC's remarks against Nupur Sharma

A group of former judges, bureaucrats and retired armed forces officers have sent an open letter to CJI NV Ramana against the observation made by Justices Surya Kant and JB Pardiwala while hearing Nupur Sharma's case in the Supreme Court. In the letter, they have alleged that the apex court surpassed the "Laxman Rekha" in the hearing and called for "urgent rectification" steps.

Notably, the top court on July 1 came down heavily on the suspended BJP spokesperson saying Nupur Sharma’s “loose tongue” had “put the entire country on fire” and that she was “single-handedly accountable for what is occurring in the country.”

The open letter by organisation 'Forum for Human Rights and Social Justice, J&K and Ladakh at Jammu' said, “In the annals of judiciary, the unfortunate comments have no parallel and are indelible scar on justice system of the largest democracy. Urgent rectification steps are called for as these have potentially serious consequences on democratic values and security of the country.”

The letter signed by 15 retired judges, 77 retired bureaucrats and 25 retired armed forces officers, demanded the roster of Justice Surya Kant be withdrawn till he attains superannuation and least be directed to withdraw the remarks and observations made by him during the hearing.

The letter further said, "By no stretch these observations, which are not part of the judicial order, can be sanctified on the plank of judicial propriety and fairness. Such outrageous transgressions are without parallel in the annals of Judiciary."