Why did Narendra Modi share a letter by 600 lawyers about alleged pressure on the Supreme Court?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision on Thursday to share on social media an open letter by a group of over 600 lawyers addressed to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud alleging that a “vested interest group” is trying to put pressure on the judiciary and undermine public faith in the courts is unprecedented and problematic, several members of the Bar said.

“This makes it seem that the letter had political backing,” said Delhi-based advocate on record Amit Pai. Another Delhi-based advocate who asked to remain unidentified said that the letter would not have attracted much attention had Modi not posted it on social media.

The letter said this claimed attempt to influence the court “on the basis of frivolous logic and stale political agendas" is not just disrespectful and contemptuous to the judiciary but also a threat to democracy.

Most of the prominent signatories to the letter are lawyers are associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party. Though the letter does not mention any political parties, when Prime Minister Modi shared the letter on social media, he added message claiming that “to browbeat and bully others is vintage Congress culture”.

This prompted retorts from Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Jairam Ramesh. “Modiji, institution after Institution is being 'bullied' by you into submission, so stop pinning the...

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