The Supreme Court imposed a token fine of Re 1 on advocate Prashant Bhushan whom it found guilty of contempt for two of his tweets on Monday, adding that in case he failed to pay by September 15 he would have to undergo a three-month jail sentence and be barred from practising for three years.
A bench of Justice Arun Mishra, B R Gavai, and Krishna Murari observed, “Freedom of speech cannot be curtailed but rights of others need to be respected.”
The verdict said not only had the bench persuaded Bhushan to express regret but Attorney General K. K. Venugopal had also opined that it was in the fitness of things that the contemnor should express regret.
The bench also noted that the statements of Bhushan submitted in the court were released to the media before they were taken on record.
Alter, Bhushan said he would submit the token fine of Re 1, but indicated he would file a review plea against the order.
Bhushan said he had the greatest respect for the institution of the Supreme Court and judiciary and his tweets were not intended to disrespect the apex court.