Thread by @legaljournalist

Intense hearing in Supreme Crt in application by Prashant Bhushan seeking recusal of Justice Arun Mishra from hearing contempt case against him.

"I met him outside CJI court, asked him to admit his mistake in which case I would withdraw the petition, he refused", AG KK Venugopal

As per the law laid down by Supreme Court, recusal of judge can be sought even if there is a reasonable apprehension in the mind of litigant about bias on the part of the judge, Dushyant Dave for Prashant Bhushan. @barandbench

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta citing observations in Judge Loya judgment to argue that Prashant Bhushan has made similar attempts seeking recusal in the past, it is another attempt at forum hunting lowers dignity of court.

"What is the message we are sending when we allow persons who are not parties to the matter to argue at length", Dushyant Dave objects to SG Tushar Mehta arguing in the matter.

Rajeev Dhavan intervenes. Heated exchange follows between Dhavan and SG Tushar Mehta.

Attorney General also intervenes. @barandbench

"This is wrong precedent. He does it everywhere, just gets up and argue. Solicitor General does not have the right to adress this court in any matter, it is nonsense. This court is setting wrong precedent by allowing it", Rajeev Dhavan. @barandbench

Attorney General KK Venugopal urges Dhavan to maintain decorum, not use words like "nonsense".

"It is 'nonsense' he is abusing the process of court", Dhavan retorts.

"I dont want to use such language, This is becoming very frequent", Tushar Mehta.

"On your part", Rajeev Dhavan.

@barandbench

Bench intervenes.

"Cool down Mr. Dhavan", Justice Arun Mishra.

"I am cool Your Lordship. One advantage I have is my blood pressure is normal", Dhavan. @barandbench

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta citing Judgment in Sebi Sahara case to highlight Rajeev Dhavan's conduct towards Bench.

Dushyant Dave and Attorney General says we are trying to resolve this.

"No resolving this, we will decide this", Justice Arun Mishra.

In a pending matter, can a person go to media when he could have come back to the court.

Attorney General seems to be keen to resolve the matter amicably.

Justice Arun Mishra however says issue troubling us.

Attorney General says he want to withdraw the case against Prashant Bhushan, Arun Mishra J. says the Bench will decide the legal issue.

We wont pass any order now, we will hear the matter, take into consideration all aspects, says Arun Mishra J.

Attorney General wants to end case against Prashant Bhushan and only decide on legal issue.

Bench not inclined to pass any order to that effect as of now.

Anand Grover seeks to intervene.

Who are you appearing for? Arun Mishra J.

Ms. Jaising, Grover

Not indira Jaising?, Mishra J

Yes Ms. Indira Jaising, Grover

He should say his wife, AG KK Venugopal

Withdraw that remark Mr. Attorney. I am a person in my own right, Jaising.

"I am sorry I raised my voice Mr. Venugopal", Jaising.

"Apology accepted", AG KK Venugopal.

"We identify as individual lawyers, not as a wife or husband of anyone. Hence, we chose not to change our name. So Ms. Indira Jaising." Indira Jaising. @barandbench

"She is a very good lawyer", AG KK Venugopal.

Supreme Court takes on record statement by Prashant Bhushan that he made a genuine mistake.

Court also records submission of Attorney General KK Venugopal that punishment part of the petition should not be pressed.

Court asks Bhushan whether he will unconditionally apologise and withdraw recusal application.

Bhushan refuses. @barandbench

Case now listed for further hearing on March 29.

No apology by Prashant Bhushan for his tweet in case on appointment of M Nageshwar Rao as CBI Director.

All applications including recusal and recall application still pending. Next hearing on March 29. @barandbench