New Delhi: In a notable exchange during a Supreme Court hearing today, Chief Justice B.R. Gavai firmly stated that the court is not swayed by “narratives” against the Enforcement Directorate (ED), emphasizing that the bench does not consume news or YouTube interviews. This came in response to a submission from the anti-corruption probe agency asking the court not to be influenced by such external perceptions.
The bench, comprising CJI Gavai and Justice K. Vinod Chandran, was hearing a suo motu case concerning the ED’s summoning of senior lawyers Arvind Datar and Pratap Venugopal for legal opinions they provided to their clients.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, addressed the court, acknowledging concerns regarding the ED’s actions. He informed the bench that the matter had been escalated to the highest levels, and the probe agency had been instructed not to issue notices to lawyers for merely rendering legal advice.
However, Mehta also highlighted what he described as attempts to malign institutions through the creation of false narratives. “As far as general observations are concerned, sometimes misconstrued, depending upon individual cases. I am saying this, not the ED, there is a concerted effort to create a narrative against an institution. My lords may find in a few cases where there is overstepping…,” the Solicitor General submitted.
CJI Gavai, who had been indisposed a week prior, interjected, stating, “We are finding this (overstepping by ED) in many cases, it is not like we are not finding.” He then added with a touch of humor, “We don’t watch the news; haven’t seen YouTube interviews. Only last week I managed to watch a few movies.” This remark underscored the court’s detachment from media discourse and its focus on legal facts and proceedings.
The exchange highlights the ongoing scrutiny faced by the ED, particularly concerning its investigative practices and the impact on legal professionals. The Supreme Court’s clear stance reaffirms its commitment to independent judicial review, irrespective of public or media narratives.