On Monday, the Apex Court said it was "unfortunate" that an Ex-HC Judge forcibly tried to enter the residence of retired Supreme Court Judge R Banumathi in Chennai.
A bench led by Justice AM Khanwilkar told Senior Lawyer CA Sundaram that "Whatever has happened is unfortunate. You should take all appropriate actions, including filing representation & complaint".
Sundaram was appearing for Delhi Tamil Advocates Association, a group of lawyers who had filed a plea complaining against Ex-HC Judge CS Karnan's conduct.
Karnan, who was then a sitting judge in the High Court of Madras, had to serve 6 months behind bars in a Kolkata prison after he was held guilty of criminal contempt by the Top Court. He retired while incarcerated in 2017.
Justice Banumathi, who also has Tamil Nadu as her home state, retired as a judge of the Supreme Court in July 2020.
During the proceedings, Sundaram referred to the abusive videos put up on YouTube & other social media platforms by Karnan, in which the former High Court Judge is reportedly seen bad-mouthing judges & their family members.
"There are newspaper reports that he tried to force his way into the house of Justice Justice Banumathi," rued Sundaram.
At this, the bench said that the petitioners will have to approach proper authorities for getting the videos removed & that it may not be within the domain of a Court to issue such orders at present.
About Karnan trying to enter Justice Banumathi's residence, the bench termed it "unfortunate" & suggested the petitioners should move to appropriate authorities under the law.
Responding, Sundaram said that he has always believed that Karnan needs medical help. The Lawyer also sought the liberty to amend the petition on the ground that he wishes to bring on record a particular provision in the Information & Technology Act which may come handy in a situation like this.
The bench adjourned the matter, asking Sundaram to exercise all remedies available to them under the law in the meantime.
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