SC reserves verdict in Prashant Bhushan case, asks him to withdraw all statements and apologise

The Supreme Court Tuesday granted half-hour to activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan, convicted for contempt, to ‘think over’ hi Supreme s stand of not expressing regret over his tweets against the judiciary.

The top court granted another opportunity to Bhushan after Attorney General K K Venugopal sought forgiveness for the activist-lawyer.

“He (Bhushan) should withdraw all statements and apologize ,” said the highest lawman when the bench headed by Justice Arun Mishra sought his views on the ‘defiant’ statement of Bhushan.

He has refused to supply an apology to the Supreme Court for his two tweets against the judiciary, saying what he expressed represented his real belief which he continued to carry .

“Bhushan says the Supreme Court has collapsed, is it not objectionable,” asked the bench.

The court can speak through orders only and even in his affidavit, Bhushan has made disparaging remarks against the judiciary, the bench said

The court should warn him and take compassionate view, Venugopal told the bench, which also comprised Justices B R Gavai and Krishna Murari.

When Bhushan doesn’t think he did anything wrong then what’s the purpose of giving him advice to not repeating it, the bench said.

“A Person should be realize mistake, we gave Bhushan time but he says he won’t apologize,” it said.

The bench will reassemble to understand the views of Bhushan again.