New Delhi, March 25: During a recent Supreme Court hearing, Chief Justice (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud expressed strong discontent over attempts to question his orders, issuing a warning of potential criminal contempt.
While addressing a case related to medical admissions, the CJI revealed, “Someone called my brother to ask how I passed such an order. Why should we not initiate contempt proceedings against him?”
Addressing the lawyer representing the Haryana government, he firmly stated, “He calls my brother to inquire how the CJI issued such an order? Is he directing me? First, confirm this, and as a lawyer, you should distance yourself from this matter.”
The CJI further warned, “Even if he hides abroad, I know how to deal with such individuals. Never engage in such behavior again. I have dealt with such elements for the past 23 years.”
This remark came during the hearing of a petition seeking benefits under the Buddhist minority quota for postgraduate admissions at Subharti Medical College in Meerut. The institution is recognized by the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions.
Petitioners Nikhil Kumar Puniya and Ekta Puniya claimed that after converting to Buddhism, they are eligible for the minority quota, despite previously applying as general category candidates. Their admissions were halted following a notification from the Uttar Pradesh government.
Taking a strict stance, the court labeled the case as a serious misuse of the system. The CJI commented, “This is a new kind of fraud; do not compel us to say more.”
The bench also questioned how candidates from the general category, who had previously applied as non-minorities, could suddenly obtain minority certificates.
Dismissing the petition, the court stated, “You want to deprive minorities of their rights. You come from a prosperous community; take pride in your merit.”
During the hearing, Justice Bagchi also raised concerns about the timing of the conversion, asking, “Did you convert to Buddhism just before the exam?”
The court questioned the administrative accountability, asking how the sub-divisional officer in Hisar issued such certificates. Additionally, the Haryana Chief Secretary was ordered to present guidelines for issuing minority certificates.
The Supreme Court also sought clarification on whether it is appropriate to grant admission to general category candidates, especially those above the EWS limit, by later categorizing them as Buddhist minorities.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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