Ayodhya: Rajeev Dhavan cites threat to clerk from other clerks

The hearing in the Ayodhya case today began with another interesting episode, when Senior Advocate Rajeev Dhavan told the Court that a clerk from his legal team was facing the heat from clerks of other lawyers, because Dhavan is appearing for Muslim parties..He also pointed out to the Court the remarks made by an Uttar Pradesh BJP Minister that “Ram Mandir will be built because Supreme Court is ours”. .Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi deprecated such conduct, while asking Dhavan whether he needed security..Dhavan turned down the offer, stating that the CJI’s remarks were reassuring..He also said that he is not arguing against The Hindu faith..“Let me make it absolutely clear that I don’t argue against Hindu faith”, Dhavan said, citing cases in which he had appeared for Hindu parties..The Supreme Court last week issued notice to Chennai-based professor N Shanmugham in a contempt of court petition filed by Senior Advocate Rajeev Dhavan. Dhavan has alleged that the professor had threatened him for appearing for Muslim parties in the Ayodhya case..In Dhavan’s petition, a letter allegedly penned by Shanmugham has been annexed. In the letter, Shanmugham has accused Rajeev Dhavan of having betrayed his faith by speaking on behalf of Muslims and “their so-called right to Ayodhya.” Claiming to be an 88-year-old senior citizen, Shanmugham goes on to state,.“Hindus will not forgive you [Dhavan] for your present Role. If you have a conscience, recuse yourself immediately from (illegible) go back home and sit quietly ruling over your fate. Waiting for the lord’s judgment…”.Dhavan went on to submit that this is not an isolated instance of threats being made to him over his appearance in the Ayodhya case..In particular, Dhavan quotes several Hindi WhatsApp messages sent by one Sanjay Kalal Bajrangi, screenshots of which have also been annexed to the plea..[Read Order].Bar & Bench is available on WhatsApp. For real-time updates on stories, Click here to subscribe to our WhatsApp.