The Madras High Court today indicated what would amount to punishable abuse on social media and other online platforms..Certain observations to this effect were made by Justice N Kirubakaran, who is currently hearing a batch of petitions pertaining to strikes called by government teachers in the state..Last week, attention was drawn to various defamatory and abusive messages broadcast across various social media platforms, reacting to comments made by the judge in the course of hearing the instant case. The advocates raising the issue had contended,.“If it is not checked and nipped in bud, then any person who comes to the Court and fails to get a favourable order, would definitely follow the same and there will be no end to it. Consequently, the majesty and dignity of the Court will be damaged and degraded.”.In response, Justice Kirubakaran had directed that evidence be presented so that appropriate action may be taken. Accordingly, Additional Advocate General K Venkatramani informed the Court that persons responsible for broadcasting such messages on social media have been identified and cases have been filed against them..In the order passed today, however, Justice Kirubakaran emphasised that action is not warranted for comments or observations merely made against the order of the court. Rather,.“Only when defamatory, unwanted observations or comments, allegations were made against the judges in personal and the judiciary in general, action is needed to be taken. Merely because judiciary is affected, the police need not show any special interest and like any other cases, the case connected with this issue has to be investigated and dealt with by the Police.”.A report on the action taken is to be furnished to the court by October 4..On the other main issue raised last week regarding allegations that teachers were being denied pension benefits, the Court recorded that the government had released information on payments made in respect of the same.. Read copy of order below..Image taken from here.
The Madras High Court today indicated what would amount to punishable abuse on social media and other online platforms..Certain observations to this effect were made by Justice N Kirubakaran, who is currently hearing a batch of petitions pertaining to strikes called by government teachers in the state..Last week, attention was drawn to various defamatory and abusive messages broadcast across various social media platforms, reacting to comments made by the judge in the course of hearing the instant case. The advocates raising the issue had contended,.“If it is not checked and nipped in bud, then any person who comes to the Court and fails to get a favourable order, would definitely follow the same and there will be no end to it. Consequently, the majesty and dignity of the Court will be damaged and degraded.”.In response, Justice Kirubakaran had directed that evidence be presented so that appropriate action may be taken. Accordingly, Additional Advocate General K Venkatramani informed the Court that persons responsible for broadcasting such messages on social media have been identified and cases have been filed against them..In the order passed today, however, Justice Kirubakaran emphasised that action is not warranted for comments or observations merely made against the order of the court. Rather,.“Only when defamatory, unwanted observations or comments, allegations were made against the judges in personal and the judiciary in general, action is needed to be taken. Merely because judiciary is affected, the police need not show any special interest and like any other cases, the case connected with this issue has to be investigated and dealt with by the Police.”.A report on the action taken is to be furnished to the court by October 4..On the other main issue raised last week regarding allegations that teachers were being denied pension benefits, the Court recorded that the government had released information on payments made in respect of the same.. Read copy of order below..Image taken from here.
