CPI(M) Polit Bureau has issued the following statement on August 17

THE verdict of the three-member bench of the Supreme Court holding senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan guilty of contempt of court is unfortunate and uncalled for. By finding two tweets by Prashant Bhushan tantamount to bringing disrepute to the institution, the court has displayed intolerance to criticism and an illiberal attitude which does not behove the highest court of the land.

This verdict will only reinforce the prevailing atmosphere of intolerance and repression where the executive is using draconian laws such as the sedition clause to suppress dissent and journalistic freedom.

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) is of the opinion that it would be better for the court to reconsider the verdict and refrain from pronouncing any punishment in the case.