New Delhi, August 31: Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan, who has been fined a token penalty of Re 1 by the Supreme Court as his punishment for contempt of court, said the case has become "watershed moment" for freedom of speech. In a statement, Prashant Bhushan said he will pay the fine of Re 1, adding that he reserves the right to seek a review of the conviction and sentencing. He has been asked to pay the penalty by September 15. Prashant Bhushan Says 'Gratefully Accepted' Re 1 Fine Imposed by Supreme Court in Contempt Case, Amount 'Contributed Immediately' by His Lawyer Rajiv Dhavan.

"I am here to cheerfully submit to any penalty that can lawfully be inflicted upon me for what the Court has determined to be an offence, and what appears to me to be the highest duty of a citizen," Bhushan said. On August 14, the top court held Bhushan guilty of criminal contempt for his derogatory tweets against the judiciary. Bhushan, however, said he has the "greatest respect" for the institution of the Supreme Court. Prashant Bhushan Fined Re 1 by Supreme Court in Contempt Case, to Face 3-Month Jail if He Refuses to Pay It by September 15; Here’s What SC Said While Pronouncing Its Decision.

"My tweets were not intended in any way to disrespect the Supreme Court or the judiciary as a whole, but were merely meant to express my anguish, at what I felt, was a deviation from its sterling past record," he said. Bhushan also expressed gratitude for the support and solidarity he received from people, including ex-judges, lawyers and activists. "They strengthen my hope that this trial may draw the country's attention to the cause of freedom of speech and judicial accountability and reform," he said.

"What is very heartening is that this case has become a watershed moment for freedom of speech and seems to have encouraged many people to stand up and speak out against the injustices in our society," Bhushan added. He concluded by saying Satyamev Jayate (Truth alone triumphs).

Prashant Bhushan's Full Statement:

The Supreme Court of India has announced its verdict on the contempt case

against me. It holds me guilty of contempt of court and has decided to impose a fine of Re 1, and failing that imprisonment of three months and debarring me from practicing for three years. I had already said in my first statement to the Court: "I am here to cheerfully submit to any penalty that can lawfully be inflicted upon me for what the Court has determined to be an offence, and what appears to me to be the highest duty of a citizen".

Therefore, while I reserve the right to seek a review of the conviction and sentencing, by way of an appropriate legal remedy, I propose to submit myself to this order and will respectfully pay the fine, just as I would have submitted to any other lawful punishment. I have had the greatest respect for the institution of the Supreme Court. I have always believed it to be the last bastion of hope, particularly for the weak and the oppressed who knock at its door for the protection of their rights, often against a powerful executive.

My tweets were not intended in any way to disrespect the Supreme Court or the judiciary as a whole, but were merely meant to express my anguish, at what I felt, was a deviation from its sterling past record. This issue was never about me versus the Hon’ble Judges, much less about me vs the Supreme Court. When the Supreme Court of India wins, every Indian wins. Every Indian wants a strong and independent judiciary. Obviously, if the courts get weakened, it weakens the republic and harms every citizen.

I am extremely grateful and humbled by the solidarity and support expressed by countless persons, ex-judges, lawyers, activists and fellow citizens who encouraged me to remain firm and true to my beliefs and conscience. They strengthen my hope that this trial may draw the country's attention to the cause of freedom of speech and judicial accountability and reform. What is very heartening is that this case has become a watershed moment for freedom of speech and seems to have encouraged many people to stand up and speak out against the injustices in our society.

I would be failing in my duty if I do not thank my legal team, especially senior Advocates Dr Rajeev Dhawan and Shri Dushyant Dave. I am more confident now than ever before that truth shall prevail. Long live democracy! Satyameva Jayate!

Pronouncing the judgement, the bench said freedom of expression is there, but the rights of others should also be respected, and the conduct of the contemnor also needs to be taken into consideration. A contemnor can be punished with simple imprisonment of up to 6 months or with a fine of up to Rs 2,000 or with both.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 31, 2020 05:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).