Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav seeks contempt action against Digvijaya Singh over ‘thief’ remark

Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav Seeks Criminal Contempt Proceedings Against Digvijay Singh's 'Chor' Remark

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav has urged Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against senior Congress leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Digvijay Singh for allegedly referring to the Supreme Court as a "Chor" (thief).In a formal letter dated June 12, Bhargav, who is also a former Additional Advocate General of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, requested the Solicitor General to grant consent under Section 15(1)(b) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, to prosecute the former Chief Minister.During an interview with PTI on Thursday, Digvijay Singh expressed frustration over the scheduling of a legal petition, stating, "It was known that everyone is involved in the theft that has taken place - not just the State, but the Centre as well. The Election Commission too, and, I am forced to say, the Supreme Court as well. When the Supreme Court knew that our petition would become infructuous after 4 pm, why didn't they hear it today? Why did they set tomorrow's date? This is all a combined theft."Calculated and Wilful AttackBhargav emphasised that a close review of the video demonstrates the remark was neither a slip of the tongue nor spoken in the heat of the moment."Digvijay Singh appears to have consciously paused before making the impugned statement, thereby demonstrating deliberation and intention," Bhargav wrote in his letter. He asserted that the comment constitutes a "calculated and wilful attack upon the dignity, authority and credibility of the Supreme Court."Bhargav argued that while fair criticism of judicial rulings is permissible under Indian law, portraying the apex court as corrupt or criminal strikes at the very foundation of the rule of law and erodes public faith in the judiciary.Indore News: Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav Demands FIR Against Former Chief Minister Digvijay Singh For Spreading 'Animosity'Legal GroundworkBhargav invoked Section 2(c)(i) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, which defines criminal contempt as any act or publication that scandalises or lowers the authority of any court.Arguing that the matter transcends political rivalries, Bhargav stated that leaving such statements unchecked would embolden further attacks on constitutional institutions. He submitted a pen drive containing the video evidence to the Solicitor General’s office in New Delhi, requesting that the matter be treated with utmost urgency.MP News: Digvijaya Singh Warns Police To Take Action In Indore Controversy Or To Face Legal Action

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Remarks On Supreme Court: Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav Seeks Contempt Action Against Digvijaya

Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav on Thursday criticised senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh over his recent remarks on the Supreme Court, alleging that they were disrespectful to the country's highest judicial institution and warranted contempt proceedings.Speaking to reporters, Bhargav said he was disturbed by the language allegedly used by Singh against the apex court. He claimed that Singh's past actions suggested he had shown greater regard for Pakistan's Constitution than India's constitutional framework.Describing himself as a student of law and a public representative, Bhargav said it was unfortunate that such remarks had been directed at the Supreme Court. He also accused Singh of questioning the judiciary after the Congress allegedly failed to properly file its candidate's nomination papers.Referring to the controversy surrounding the nomination, Bhargav said legal experts and senior advocates had pointed out that if a candidate was aware of any pending criminal case, including a private complaint, there would have been no issue in disclosing it in the election affidavit.He further said the Congress has several experienced legal professionals who are aware that, in exceptional circumstances, a rejected nomination can be challenged directly before the Supreme Court. Questioning the party's legal strategy, he asked why Congress leaders waited from June 9 to June 11 before approaching the court and seeking an urgent hearing.Bhargav said there is no provision for an appeal before the Election Commission against an order of a Returning Officer and that, once the election notification is issued, the usual remedy is an election petition. If Congress considered the matter extraordinary, he said, it should explain the delay in moving the Supreme Court.He maintained that the Supreme Court had recognised the seriousness of the matter and promptly fixed a hearing date. Despite this, he alleged, Singh's comments amounted to contempt of court.The mayor demanded contempt proceedings against the Congress leader and said he would personally submit an application in this regard. He also urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of the matter and initiate action against Singh.Digvijaya Singh has not publicly responded to Bhargav's latest remarks. The controversy comes amid an ongoing political dispute over the nomination process and related legal proceedings.Air Pollution Remains High Across Indore

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