The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) has tendered an unconditional apology to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant over a tweet effectively calling for his resignation.
The apology was submitted by KPCC President Sunny Joseph in a formal reply dated October 22 to a legal notice issued by Supreme Court lawyer and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) Joint Secretary Meenesh Dubey.
Dubey had threatened to initiate criminal contempt of court proceedings after a post appeared on October 12 from the official X handle (@INCKerala) stating: "Dear Surya Kant, If law and order is not your domain, resign now. We will find your replacement who can handle it."
In his reply, Joseph clarified that the post was drafted and published by party worker Vijay Thottathil without the leadership's knowledge, consent, or consultation. Joseph confirmed that Thottathil had been immediately stripped of his responsibilities and was instructed to issue a public apology.
"The demand for resignation and the suggestion of finding a replacement for the Hon’ble Chief Justice were inappropriate and should not have appeared on an official party platform...On its behalf, I tender an unconditional apology to the Hon'ble Chief Justice of India for the publication and the disrespect conveyed by its language," the KPCC President stated.
The State Congress chief emphasised that while political expression is protected in a democracy, it does not absolve organisations of the duty to maintain institutional dignity. Joseph noted that political disagreement cannot justify language that undermines constitutional offices.
Addressing concerns regarding evidence tampering and systemic lapses, the KPCC confirmed that an internal inquiry has been initiated to overhaul its digital oversight protocols noting that external agencies assist with account handling. The committee assured that all relevant electronic records, device access logs and communications would be preserved in accordance with the law.
The party also undertook to publish its official clarification and apology on its public social media channels.