Social Activist TJ Abraham, who filed a complaint against Zameer Ahmed Khan, released the letter from the Governor’s office to the media.
Published Nov 11, 2024 | 10:31 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 11, 2024 | 10:52 AM
Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan. (Supplied)
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s Special Secretary R Prabhushankar directed the state Advocate General (AG) to initiate action against Minister for Waqf and Housing BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan over alleged contemptuous remarks regarding a high court judgement.
The action was taken after Social Activist TJ Abraham made a representation to the Governor and alleged a delay in action against the minister based on his earlier complaint.
Prabhushankar wrote a letter to AG K Shashi Kiran Shetty in this regard on 6 November, which came to light after Abraham, who filed a complaint against Khan, released the letter from the Governor’s office to the media.
On 26 September this year, Abraham complained to the AG, seeking his consent under section 15(1/b) of the Contempt of Courts Act, to initiate Criminal Proceedings before the Karnataka High Court against Minister Khan for his statements regarding its judgement on the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case.
In his letter to the Governor, Abraham also raised concerns over AG Shetty delaying action against Zameer Ahmed Khan.
In a letter to the Governor of Karnataka on 21 October, 2024, Abraham raised serious allegations against Khan for his contemptuous remarks against the judiciary.
On 26 September 2024, during a media interaction, Khan made a public statement that the judgement rendered by the High Court of Karnataka on 24 September 2024 in connection to the MUDA case was a “political judgement.”
Abraham alleged that this statement was not merely an expression of opinion but a “deliberate attempt to undermine the authority and integrity of the judiciary”.
“By branding the judgement as political, Zameer Ahmed Khan sought to discredit the high court and cast doubt on the impartiality of the judge who delivered the order,” emphasised Abraham.
He further noted: “This comment was not only disrespectful but was also a calculated move to diminish public confidence in the legal system.”
In his letter, Abraham argues that such statements, which intentionally belittle the judiciary, have a detrimental impact on the public’s trust in the courts and erode the judiciary’s independence.
Abraham demanded legal action against Khan under the provisions of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, to preserve the sanctity of the judicial process.
In his letter to the Governor, Abraham also raised concerns about the lack of response from the AG of Karnataka regarding his application, seeking consent under Section 15(1)(b) of the Contempt of Courts Act to initiate criminal proceedings against Khan.
Abraham pointed out that, despite the clear and urgent need for action, the AG failed to respond to or act upon his application. He further noted: “This delay casts serious doubt on the Advocate General’s commitment to upholding the dignity and authority of the judiciary.”
“As an officer of the court, the Advocate General has a solemn duty to safeguard the integrity of the judicial system, and his inaction, in this case, suggests a worrying tendency to shield a senior government official from the consequences of his contemptuous conduct,” highlighted Abraham.
Abraham added that the AG, who holds office at the pleasure of the Governor, may be influenced by political considerations due to his association with the current government, of which Khan is a prominent member.
“This perceived conflict of interest raises concerns that the Advocate General may be prioritising political loyalty over his duty to uphold the law and protect judicial independence,” Abraham alleged in his letter to the Governor.
Abraham stressed that this delay “undermines public confidence in the fairness and impartiality of the legal process and fosters the perception that political affiliations are influencing the administration of justice.”
He urged the Governor to take necessary steps to ensure that the AG acted promptly on his application and that the rule of law is upheld, free from political interference.
On 6 November, Govenor’s Special Secretary Prabbushankar wrote a letter to AG Shetty to take action against Minister Khan.
In the letter, Governor’s Special Secretary Prabhushankar stated that he was also forwarding the representation submitted by Abraham.
“He has alleged that Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan has made very serious allegations against the judgment of the high court, which is questioning the integrity of the judiciary, [writing this directive] for further necessary action in accordance with the law,” Prabhushankar wrote.
TJ Abraham told South First he was happy that the Governor forwarded his representation to the AG for further action.
“Now, my question to AG is whether he stands up for the image of the judiciary. Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan damaged the image of the judiciary. Is he [AG] going to stand for the judiciary or defend the person who has made contemptuous remarks against the judiciary,” questioned Abraham.
(Edited by Neena.)
