Contempt of court: Gen VK Singh tenders apology to SC

New Delhi, Nov 18: Former Army Chief V K Singh today tendered an "unconditional apology" to the

for making certain remarks on its order on his age row, saying he had no intention to bring disrepute to the institution and judges, who are like "Demigods".

Singh, who was rapped by the court for "scandalising" the court and attributing motives to its verdict, said he has "highest respect" for the judiciary, particularly the apex court. "I have the highest respect for the judiciary particularly this Hon'ble Court.

Inspite of occasional criticism reported in isolated cases, I firmly believe that the judges are Demigods compared to other departments of our public life. "To attribute unworthy or illegitimate motives to the judges who dealt with my withdrawn petition on February 10, 2012 was far from my mind. I hold them in high respect and I hereby tender an unqualified apology if unwittingly due to erroneous reporting of my words I have created an impression of making some objectionable imputation. "I admit that it is possible though highly improbable that in the long interview of 20 minutes I may have used some inappropriate ambiguous expression," Singh said in his reply to the contempt notice filed through advocate Prabhjit Jauhar.

The apex court had on October 1 issued notice to Singh after taking suo motu cognisance of his remarks against its order on his age row published on September 22, saying it prima facie amounts to "scandalising" and undermining the authority of the court. Singh, 63, who served the army for 42 years, said his petition was withdrawn by his counsel on February 10, 2012 due to "technical difficulty"

. "It was explained to me by my counsel. I am on the contrary truly grateful to this Hon'ble Court for the contents of the order of this Court," Singh said adding that he never had reason to complain about the judgement.

PTI