Jaitley backs CJI Gogoi, cautions against 'institution destabilisers'

New Delhi, Apr 21 (UNI) In the wake of sexual harassment allegations levelled on CJI Ranjan Gogoi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Sunday if those who peddle falsehood to destroy the institution are not dealt with in an exemplary manner, the trend will only accelerate.

'But let it be remembered that this is not the first case of the ‘institutional destabilizers’ nor will it be the last. If those who peddle falsehood to destroy the institution are not dealt with in an exemplary manner, this trend will only accelerate,' said Mr Jaitley in his blog 'It’s Time to Stand up With the Judiciary'.

Lending shoulder to completely unverified allegations coming from a disgruntled person with a not-so-glorious track record is aiding the process of destabilisation of the institution of the Chief Justice of India, he said.

Mr Jaitley said India has witnessed a series of attacks by the ‘institution disruptors’ against judges who are unwilling to agree with them.

'It may not be an exaggeration to say that today both in Court and by creating an environment outside, a mass-intimidation of Judges is on. Some lawyers have used intimadatory behaviour as a tactic to expand their practise. Intimidation and discrediting are important weapons in the hands of these people,' he said.

An intimidated judge can fear consequences of a possible view that he is taking, he said, adding that it was essential that all well-meaning persons stand with the judicial institution when destabilizers get ready for an assault.

'Mainstream print media conventionally had greater editorial control. The ability to dissect facts and take a balanced view was much higher. But of late, the rat race for grabbing eyeballs or viewership has begun. For the ‘institutional disruptors’ there are no red lines,' he said.

He said the last few years have witnessed the consolidation of ‘institution destabilizers’ in a major way, adding that 'Many of these represent Left or ultra-Left views. They have no electoral base or popular support. However, they still have a disproportionate presence in the media and the academia.'

Attacking the Congress for siding with these ‘institution destabilizers’, Mr Jaitley said 'Even though most of them subscribe to fringe ideologies and ideas, it is regrettable that a section of the Members of the Bar affiliated to the Congress Party tend to join them.'

Frequent attempts are made to get some Parliamentarians to sign Motion of Impeachment against judges and even the Chief Justice on unsustainable grounds, he said and added 'What has always puzzled me is the Congress lending support to such fringe campaigns.'.