New Delhi, Oct. 17 -- The Supreme Court on Friday issued contempt notices to Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut and journalist Nikhil Wagle over their allegedly scandalous social media posts against Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and the judiciary. "Issue notice as to why contempt of court proceedings should not be issued against them," said a bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, posting the matter for hearing after two weeks. It exempted the two from personal appearance, expressing hope that "better sense prevails". "We are giving a show-cause as of now. Of course we are granting exemption for personal appearance. Let us see," the bench said. Calling their comments "very unfortunate", the bench said both had approached the court for relief and their pleas had been heard. The notice followed a petition by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), whose president, senior advocate Pradeep Kumar Rai, sought contempt proceedings, saying the remarks by Raut and Wagle went beyond the bounds of fair criticism and were capable of undermining public confidence in the Supreme Court. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta supported the plea, saying some people "deliberately"attempted to pressure courts. The SCBA filed the petition under Article 129 of the Constitution and the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, after Attorney General R Venkataramani granted consent. The petition said the posts followed the CJI's refusal to meet Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge over matters concerning the Election Commission and alleged electoral-roll irregularities. It also cited Raut's allegations about judges attending ruling-party events. The SCBA called the claims false. Meanwhile, Wagle on Thursday shared on X a letter addressed to the attorney general in which he tendered an unconditional apology to the CJI and the Supreme Court....