The Supreme Court on Friday cautioned the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) faction against making public remarks suggesting that the Court was delaying the long-pending Shiv Sena split case, with Chief Justice of India Surya Kant warning against “irresponsible statements” targeting the judiciary.

A bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi was hearing petitions filed by Uddhav Thackeray challenging the Election Commission’s decision recognising the Eknath Shinde faction as the official Shiv Sena. The Court was also hearing a plea by Sunil Prabhu against the Maharashtra Speaker’s decision not to disqualify MLAs belonging to the Shinde camp.

When the matter was taken up, counsel appearing for the UBT side requested an early hearing. Responding sharply, the CJI said, “First, stop your people from going to the media and making irresponsible statements saying that the Supreme Court is not deciding.”

The bench further observed that parties cannot seek adjournments before the Court while simultaneously criticising it publicly for delays.

“You seek a date here and then say the Supreme Court is not deciding. We are issuing a warning. Be careful while using your words. I am not a person who will accept this kind of conduct,” the CJI remarked.

Senior Advocate Devdatt Kamat, appearing for the UBT faction, submitted that his side was ready to argue the matter whenever the Court fixed it for hearing.

However, the CJI responded, “You don't want to argue, you want to make statements. When the matter is taken up, you say fix the date. When we fix the date, you say… why this particular politician is making such statements?”

Kamat clarified that the UBT side was only anxious because the matter had remained pending for nearly three years.

Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the opposing side, said no litigant had the right to make comments against the Court and added that his side had refrained from doing so.

“We know how much pressure the Court is under. Our side hasn’t done it. Such comments should not be made by any side,” Rohatgi said.

The CJI also remarked, “We are sitting here till 4 PM. If somebody finds us sitting idle, we can understand that.”

The Court eventually posted the matter for hearing in July.

Case Title: Uddhav Thackeray vs Eknathrao Sambhaji Shinde & Anr. and Sunil Prabhu vs Eknath Shinde & Ors.