Justice Karnan writes to CJI, seeks Rs 14 crore compensation for ‘disturbing mind and insulting in public’

Calcutta High Court judge Justice CS Karnan has written to the Chief Justice of India and other judges of the Constitution Bench seeking a compensation of Rs 14 crore for 'disturbing mind and insulting in public'.

Kolkata, March 17: Calcutta High Court judge Justice CS Karnan has written to the Chief Justice of India and other judges of the Constitution Bench seeking a compensation of Rs 14 crore for ‘disturbing mind and insulting in public’. The Supreme Court had issued a bailable warrant against Justice Karnan for non-appearance in a contempt case. The apex court had issued a warrant against Justice Karnan asking him to ensure his presence before the court in the contempt case on March 31.

Justice Karnan had hit back at the court calling the warrant ‘unconstitutional’ and alleged that he was being targetted for being a Dalit. “Suo motu contempt is to harass me,” Justice Karnan alleged while addressing the media a few days ago. He had also said that he would not attend the contempt proceedings on March 31. Justice Karnan had also said that the apex court had “no locus standi” to issue a bailable warrant against a sitting judge.

“Consequently I ask the President of India to recall the bailable warrant illegally issued by the Supreme Court today against me and lift non-work allotment ban of portfolio allocation,” he had added.

Justice Karnan came in the line of fire for his comments on the court order. Soli Sorabjee said he was distressed at Justice Karnan’s action. “This is a very sad thing. I am very distressed. It’s sad that a judge is making such allegations. Allegation against judges in front of media. A person who is a judge who has taken oath upholding the laws and Constitution of the country to make allegations like this. The SC has no other way but to take action and it’s right. He is only aggravating his contempt. Making it worse,” he said.

Rajya Sabha member Ram Jethmalani has said that he was convinced that Justice Karnan had ‘lost his mind’. “I am sorry to tell you that I am convinced you have lost your mind. Your behaviour is that of a lunatic and some day that may be the only defence available to you though with no bright change of success,” Jethmalani said in an open letter to Justice Karnan.