SC Says Political Leaders Must Foster Fraternity in the Country, Follow Constitutional Morality

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday (February 17) observed orally that political leaders must foster fraternity in the country. A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant along with Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Joymalya Bagchi made the observations while hearing a writ petition that sought directions to curb “constitutionally unbecoming” speeches by persons holding constitutional offices, along with guidelines on political discourse, reported New Indian Express.

The petition was filed by a group of citizens including former civil servants, diplomats, academicians, researchers and members of civil society. The petition sought guidelines for politicians and the media while reporting or amplifying speeches that allegedly undermined fraternity and constitutional values.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who represented the petitioners, said that the situation was becoming “very toxic” and requested the court to intervene. Sibal clarified that the petition was not directed against any individual.

“Let the petitioners not create an impression that they are against a particular party or individual,” said the bench.

While the top court noted the fact that the petitioners were “eminent persons” it stated that the issue had already been addressed in a judgment delivered by Justice Nagarathna in the Kaushal Kishore case.

“The political parties must foster fraternity in the country and follow constitutional morality, contesting elections on the basis of mutual respect,” the court said.

“We are eagerly waiting that somebody will come before us with objectivity,” remarked CJI Kant.

The court said that while the issue raised was serious, the petition appeared to be casually drafted. On Sibal’s request, the bench adjourned the matter for two weeks to allow the filing of a revised petition.

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