Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has issued an “unconditional apology” in an affidavit filed with the Rajasthan High Court, responding to a petition that challenged his statement about “rampant corruption” within the judiciary. Gehlot’s original remarks, made on August 30, sparked outrage within the legal community.
During his earlier statement, Gehlot had suggested that some judges were delivering judgments that had been drafted by lawyers, implying that corruption was widespread within the judiciary.
In the affidavit filed on behalf of the Chief Minister, Gehlot expressed his utmost respect for the majesty of the law and the judiciary. He claimed that he had not intentionally or unintentionally made any statements to undermine the dignity of the law or the courts and that he had complete faith in the judiciary. However, Gehlot acknowledged that if the court believed that his statement had attempted to lower the dignity of the judiciary in the eyes of the public, he offered an unconditional apology.
The affidavit also mentioned that Gehlot had been reading statements made by former judges of the Supreme Court regarding corruption in the judiciary. Additionally, members of the public had raised concerns about “corrupt practices” within the judiciary when meeting with him, which had greatly troubled him.
The matter is now scheduled for the next hearing on November 7, allowing the petitioner to file a rejoinder to the Chief Minister’s affidavit.
Following Gehlot’s initial remark, high court lawyers and individuals working in lower courts in Jodhpur had staged a day-long strike in protest. Gehlot later clarified that his statement did not reflect his personal opinion.
The affidavit and apology from Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot aim to address the controversy and concerns raised by his earlier comments regarding corruption within the judiciary. The matter will continue to be discussed in the Rajasthan High Court during future hearings.
