Vulgar video: Former HC judge withdraws bail plea

Even before his bail plea, listed before Justice V Bharathidasan, could come up for hearing, counsel appearing for the former judge made a mention seeking to withdraw the same, which was granted. 

Karnan had moved the High Court after his bail plea was rejected by both the Metropolitan Magistrate and the Sessions Court at Chennai. 

He had contended in his plea that he has been suffering from severe depression arising after his retirement and his earlier incarceration, resulting in him acting without comprehension or realising the full consequences of his actions. 

Also, citing his treatment at Stanley for age-related issues including COVID-19, he sought for bail offering an undertaking that he would cooperate with the police investigation and abide by any condition that the court may impose. 

It may be noted that Karnan was held guilty of contempt of court by the Supreme Court for making unfounded allegations against the judges of the top court. He was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment in that case and was released from prison in December 2017. 

In the present case, the Madras High Court had directed the removal of the offending videos based on a plea moved by the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, which led to his subsequent arrest on December 1 last year by the Central Crime Branch.