On Wednesday, the Supreme Court issued notice on a public interest plea seeking action against protestors accused of launching defamatory and communally charged attacks on a sitting judge of the Madras High Court over a recent religious order, flagging concerns about judicial dignity, public order, and the rule of law.
The case arises from demonstrations and public statements allegedly made after a Madras High Court judge passed directions relating to the lighting of a ceremonial lamp at a temple hill in Madurai, an issue that quickly escalated into protests outside court premises. The petitioner, an advocate, alleged that the backlash crossed constitutional lines, with demands for the judge’s resignation and imputations questioning his motives.
According to the plea, despite multiple representations, state authorities failed to act decisively against those involved, even as the protests risked disturbing communal harmony and undermining judicial independence.
A Bench of Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice P.B. Varale agreed to examine the matter, issuing notice to top officials of the Tamil Nadu administration and police. While cautioning against emotive submissions, the Court directed the State to place on record the steps taken so far. Recording the order, the Bench noted, “Issue notice… learned standing counsel for the State is permitted to file a status report in regard to steps taken pursuant to the representations.”
The Court also took note of submissions that law enforcement had begun preserving digital material linked to the alleged defamatory content.
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