In a major damage-control move following severe political and legal backlash, the Congress leadership has tendered an unconditional apology to the Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant. The controversy erupted after a provocative statement targeting the head of the Indian judiciary was published on the official X handle of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). Formally responding to a legal notice served by the Supreme Court Bar Association leadership, the state Congress committee distanced itself from the remarks, acknowledged serious administrative shortcomings, and confirmed the immediate sacking of the official responsible for the communication.

The Provocative Post That Triggered Legal Outrage

The controversy dates back to October 12, when a post on the Kerala Congress unit’s official social media handle took aim at Chief Justice Surya Kant over courtroom remarks regarding protest petitions. The post declared: “Dear Surya Kant, If law and order is not your domain, resign now. We will find your replacement who can handle it.”

The comment drew instant condemnation across legal and political spectrums for breaching institutional decorum and attacking the constitutional dignity of the Chief Justice of India. Although the post was pulled down within hours following public outcry, the Supreme Court Bar Association joint secretary Meenesh Dubey served a formal legal notice to KPCC president Sunny Joseph demanding an immediate retraction, an official apology, and disciplinary action.

Unconditional Apology and Acknowledgment of Shortcomings

Submitting a formal written reply to the legal notice, KPCC president Sunny Joseph stated that the contentious expressions neither represented the official policy nor the considered position of the KPCC or the Indian National Congress. Joseph placed on record an unreserved apology, stating that demanding the resignation of the Chief Justice and suggesting finding a replacement was inappropriate and should never have appeared on an official party platform.

The party conceded administrative oversights in monitoring digital output and confirmed that social media functionary Vijay Thottathil had uploaded the content without the prior knowledge, authorization, or review of senior leadership. Consequently, Thottathil was dismissed from his organizational responsibilities and instructed to publish a public apology.

Reaffirming Faith in Judicial Independence

The Congress leadership emphasized that the party holds the highest respect for the Indian Constitution, the constitutional office of the Chief Justice of India, and the sanctity of an independent judiciary. The episode had placed the opposition bloc in a difficult spot at a time when nationwide protests were being staged over electoral processes. By issuing an unconditional apology and enforcing internal disciplinary measures, the party sought to draw a firm line under the confrontation and restate its institutional deference to the apex court.