The Kerala High Court, while adjudicating a writ petition concerning the suspension of the Kerala University Registrar, witnessed a significant turn of events when Justice D.K. Singh expressed his intent to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against former legislator R. Rajesh. The judge’s strong remarks came in response to a social media post published by the former MLA, which the Court deemed to be a direct attack on the judiciary.
The Court noted that R. Rajesh, a member of the University Syndicate involved in the reinstatement of Prof. Dr. K.S. Anil Kumar, had authored a Facebook post making disparaging remarks against the presiding judge. This post was allegedly made after the former MLA's own writ petition had been reserved for judgment. Justice Singh orally observed that such conduct amounted to an attempt to exert undue influence on the Court and undermine its authority.
Terming the social media remarks as an effort to tarnish the image of the judiciary and lower the dignity of the institution, the Court observed that it would proceed with framing contempt charges the same day. The judge emphasized that judicial office cannot be subjected to external pressure or vilification, asserting, "Only over my grave can pressure be put on me… My reputation is not built in a day, and I have not assumed this office to be intimidated or pressurized."
According to oral observations made during the hearing, the Facebook post also suggested ideological bias on the part of the judiciary in the context of the Registrar’s suspension involving the Bharatamba portrait controversy. The Court took serious exception to these allegations, indicating that such statements, coming from a litigant, strike at the very foundation of the judicial process.
The matter is now likely to proceed with formal initiation of criminal contempt proceedings against the former legislator for attempting to scandalize the Court and interfere with the administration of justice.
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