The Supreme Court today expressed its displeasure over the role of the parties before it in bringing frequently new facts relating to the 2002 Gujarat riot cases and said these were making it to deviate from the main issue.
"We know we are deviating from the real issue," a three-judge bench headed by Justice D K Jain said.
The bench said the reason for the deviation is known to all who are parties in this matter.
The bench also expressed its anguish over the role of a special public prosecutor, who wrote a letter to the Special Investigating Team (SIT) making allegations against the trial judge, which was leaked.
The court was informed during the earlier hearing that a special public prosecutor engaged for the conduct of riot cases had sought his withdrawal from the case by making certain allegations against the SIT and the trial judge.
The bench disapproved the action of the prosecutor and made strong remarks against him.
"We disapprove the action of the prosecutor. He is degrading the judicial system," the bench also comprising Justices P Sathasivam and Aftab Alam said.
The bench said it was unhappy with the recent development as to the conduct of the public prosecutor coming out of the court and speaking to the press.
"I am not happy that public prosecutor comes out of the court and gives interviews to the press. That is to show that I am the best," Justice Jain said.
Referring to the Gujarat riot case in which the Special Public Prosecutor has written a letter to the SIT for withdrawing himself from the case, the bench said, "We are surprised with the action of the prosecutor. He is appointed by the Chief Justice of the High Court."
"If every prosecutor starts behaving like this, what will happen," the bench asked, disapproving the conduct of the prosecutors addressing the press.
"I am very sorry. I am airing my views. This is a wrong practice. This is a strange thing that is happening," Justice Jain said.
The bench said such actions are not expected from public prosecutors and it was a very unusual practice.
Sending e-mails to somebody telling that I am not happy with the judge is not correct, the bench said, adding that in such case, the Public Prosecutor should rather quit.
The court was hearing the issues relating to the 2002 Gujarat riot cases which are looked after by the SIT.
The bench posted the matter for hearing on May 6 and granted time to SIT to file its report by May 15.
