THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A day after Justice Alexander Thomas made certain controversial remarks against the AG’s office and chief minister, senior Congress leaders including information minister K. C. Joseph hit out against the judge.
In his Facebook post, Mr Joseph said the judge questioning the chief minister’s right to criticise Attorney-General is proof of his ignorance about existing laws. What right Alexander Jacob has to drag the chief minister’s name and make such comments in a case which is not related to him?
Don’t the judges have the responsibility of upholding the sanctity and honour of courts? What will happen if everyone is affected by this kind of publicity craze? the minister asked.
It would not be surprising to find the reason for such remarks, if one goes to the past history of those making such comments.
Meanwhile, KPCC vice-president M. M. Hassan has said the judge’s statements against the AG and government were unwarranted. At a press conference here, he said the motive of the judge is doubtful.
He condemned the attack on the chief minister by pro-Left workers in Balaramapuram, saying it was a continuation of the violence unleashed in Kannur.
“The judge made unwarranted comments on issues which didn’t come before his bench. His statements reflected political speeches made at wayside public meetings. The Chief Minister has every right to criticise the Attorney-General who took up the case for the bar owners in the Supreme Court,” he added.
Mr Joseph said the chief minister does not require permission from anyone to speak for the interest of Kerala. Mukul Rohtagi is the Attorney-General of India. Is the judge not aware that India comprises the centre and states. In a federal system, the centre is also responsible for protecting the interests of the state.
As long as the state government’s decisions are not against the centre, the Attorney-General appearing in a case and that too representing bar owners cannot be justified.
“This person who has turned into AG's spokesman didn't even spare the advocate-general. Is it appropriate to criticise the AG Office in open court? Would it not have been appropriate to raise the issue either directly or through the chief justice? Kaliyuga, what else can we say,” the minister added.
