October 12,2018:

On Thursday, Bombay HC convicted Activist Ketan Tirodkar of Contempt of Court after he criticised the current and the retired judges on his Facebook page.

High Court expounded that, “Modern technology and State-of-the-Art Communication should not result in abuse of Freedom of Speech and expression”.

Bench further specified that “this notice and proceedings in furtherance thereof will serve as a stern warning to users of social media”.

Ketan Tirodkar was sentenced to three months imprisonment and a fine of Rs 2,000 for Contempt of Court.

Full Bench of HC, comprising of Justice A S Oka, Justice S C Dharmadhikari and Justice R M Savant, were hearing a Suo Motu Contempt Petition against Tirodkar, alleging that on his Facebook page, he had accused sitting and retired judges of Court of “selling justice” Activist Ketan Tirodkarat “rates which bail orders and anticipatory bail orders can be obtained”, and had termed some retired judges “middlemen”.

He also reproached retired and sitting judges for being “land grabbers”.

Bombay High Court Bench enunciated that,“We would be failing in our duty if we do not deal with this and in the words of Hon'ble Supreme Court itself, a flagrant onslaught on the independence of judiciary, destructive of the orderly administration of justice, and a challenge to the supremacy of the rule of law.”

High Court Bench in its judgment also cited Court’s “duty to come down heavily on those who pollute the system” in order for it to properly “reach out to the people and ensure access to justice”.

HC Bench concluded that,“Public trust and confidence would be totally shaken if due cognizance of such publications is not taken and the person publishing the same is not proceeded against for contempt, that trust and confidence will erode even further”.

Activist Ketan Tirodkar submitted before  the High Court Bench that he will challenge its order before the Supreme Court.

Source Indian Express

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