Justice N Kirubakaran of the Madras High Court today expressed strong censure against social media trolls broadcasting abusive messages against the judiciary..The remarks were made in the course of hearing a matter concerning the recent strike called by the Joint Action Committee of Tamil Nadu Teachers Organisations – Government Employees Organisations (JACTO-GEO)..The strike, which was called last week, and thereafter stayed through an interim order of the Madurai Bench, drew participation of teachers employed in government state board schools. There were reports that the strike was still being conducted in violation of the High Court order..Earlier this week, Justice Kirubakaran had strongly chided the striking teachers for hijacking the system at the cost of student welfare. He had also observed that the Court had a moral responsibility to intervene in the matter, given that it concerned the education of future generations. He also remarked that those violating court orders have no place in Court..Referring to the plight of the state board students following the NEET verdict, he observed that teachers should hang their head in shame for having failed the students. He had also said that the NEET reality should not be rejected and emphasised on shifting the focus to improving the educational standards of state board students..It was brought to the judge’s attention today that several persons aggrieved by these remarks had taken to internet and social media to publish abusive messages against the court and the judiciary in general..While the single judge recounted having shrugged off similar personal attacks in the past, he agreed with the lawyers appearing that such measures should not be allowed to intimidate the Court. Calling it an attack, not only on judge or a particular court, but on the institution of the judiciary itself, it had been 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 light of these observations, the judge directed that evidence of the abusive messages be presented before the Court on Monday, so that appropriate action may be taken..The Court also observed with concern the contention that government school employees are being denied retirements benefits due to them. It was held that if any neglect on the part of the state administration is found, the government is also liable to be condemned for the same..The judge therefore directed that information regarding the due benefits and allotment of the same by the state to government teachers be furnished at the next hearing. Nevertheless, it has been emphasised by the judge that,.“In any event, irrespective of the legitimacy of their claim, this Court does not approve the strike made by the teachers, as it goes against the interest of the poor children.”.Hearing in the matter will resume next Monday..Read copy of order below.
Justice N Kirubakaran of the Madras High Court today expressed strong censure against social media trolls broadcasting abusive messages against the judiciary..The remarks were made in the course of hearing a matter concerning the recent strike called by the Joint Action Committee of Tamil Nadu Teachers Organisations – Government Employees Organisations (JACTO-GEO)..The strike, which was called last week, and thereafter stayed through an interim order of the Madurai Bench, drew participation of teachers employed in government state board schools. There were reports that the strike was still being conducted in violation of the High Court order..Earlier this week, Justice Kirubakaran had strongly chided the striking teachers for hijacking the system at the cost of student welfare. He had also observed that the Court had a moral responsibility to intervene in the matter, given that it concerned the education of future generations. He also remarked that those violating court orders have no place in Court..Referring to the plight of the state board students following the NEET verdict, he observed that teachers should hang their head in shame for having failed the students. He had also said that the NEET reality should not be rejected and emphasised on shifting the focus to improving the educational standards of state board students..It was brought to the judge’s attention today that several persons aggrieved by these remarks had taken to internet and social media to publish abusive messages against the court and the judiciary in general..While the single judge recounted having shrugged off similar personal attacks in the past, he agreed with the lawyers appearing that such measures should not be allowed to intimidate the Court. Calling it an attack, not only on judge or a particular court, but on the institution of the judiciary itself, it had been 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 light of these observations, the judge directed that evidence of the abusive messages be presented before the Court on Monday, so that appropriate action may be taken..The Court also observed with concern the contention that government school employees are being denied retirements benefits due to them. It was held that if any neglect on the part of the state administration is found, the government is also liable to be condemned for the same..The judge therefore directed that information regarding the due benefits and allotment of the same by the state to government teachers be furnished at the next hearing. Nevertheless, it has been emphasised by the judge that,.“In any event, irrespective of the legitimacy of their claim, this Court does not approve the strike made by the teachers, as it goes against the interest of the poor children.”.Hearing in the matter will resume next Monday..Read copy of order below.