Prashant Bhushan: SC reserves verdict on quantum of sentence

The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved its verdict on quantum of punishment against Prashant Bhushan who was convicted of criminal of contempt for his two tweets.

Attorney General KK Venugopal reiterated his appeal to the apex court to take a “compassionate view” and forgive Bhushan. However the court said the lawyer has not apologised yet and has even made unfavourable remarks in the affidavit filed in his defence.

Venugopal had urged the top court last week as well to spare Bhushan from any harsh punishment.
The bench then sought views of senior advocate Rajeev Dhavan, counsel for Bhushan, on punishment to be awarded in the contempt case. Dhavan said judgment convicting Bhushan should be recalled, no sentence be imposed on him.

“Please do not make Prashant Bhushan a martyr. After Babri Masjid was demolished, there were crowds to welcome Kalyan Singh. So don’t make him a martyr,” he said.

“Not only the Bhushan contempt case be closed, the controversy should be put to end. SC should give statesman like message,” he added.

To this, Justice Mishra replied, “I am not criticising Mr Bhushan…There is a difference between a court officer and a politician…if you are going to press for everything, you are identifying with the former more.”

Meanwhile, a new Supreme Court bench will hear the 2009 contempt case against Bhushan from next month as Justice Arun Mishra retires in the first week of September. The bench headed by Justice Mishra said the matter will be listed before an appropriate bench on September 10 as they are ‘short of time’.