Comments against CJI: Police pulled up for lethargy

The division bench comprising Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice R Pongiappan before whom a writ petition seeking action on certain advocates who trespassed into a clinic while dealing with a property dispute, asked the additional advocate general present there as to whether any action has been taken against those who posted against the Chief Justice. 

The bench reiterated that while judgements can be drawn for criticism but not the judges and the judiciary. Justice Kirubakaran while noting that police had acted in the trespass case only after the court intervened, wondered whether any action will be initiated by the police for the adverse comments against the Chief Justice. 

In a pointed question to the AAG, the judge said “If such comments were posted against Chief Minister and other ministers you may have immediately taken action suo motu. But in this case, none have bothered when suo motu action should have been initiated against all those who posted such derogatory comments against the Chief Justice and the persons who gave interviews in the media.” 

However, on directing the AAG to submit an action taken report against persons who defamed the judges on June 25, when the trespassing case will be taken for hearing. The bench on recording the petitioner’s submission on the trespass case that he will vacate the residential premises by June 24 and the clinic in three months, directed the AAG to take steps to cancel the bail granted to S. 

Rajasekharan Advocate involved in the trespass. The bench also directed the registry to place before it the entire file pertaining to the anticipatory bail petition filed by the property owner.