Karuppu not contempt of court, rules High Court
The Madras High Court has ruled that the film ‘Karuppu’, starring Suriya, does not fall under the ambit of contempt of court.
A bench comprising Justices G. R. Swaminathan and V. Lakshminarayanan observed that the film does not target any real court or sitting judge, but is instead set in a completely fictional backdrop.
Drawing a comparison with the fictional town of ‘Malgudi’ created by noted writer R. K. Narayan, the court noted that ‘Karuppu’ is based on an imaginary setting called ‘Seven Wells’. The portrayal of a corrupt judge in the film, the bench clarified, is limited to this fictional world and does not refer to any real institution.
In his written judgment, Justice G. R. Swaminathan made a significant observation on the evolving nature of public discourse. He stated that in today’s age of social media, where individuals can freely express opinions and often escape accountability, the traditional standards governing contempt of court—framed in earlier centuries—may no longer be entirely relevant.
He further remarked that even harsh or distasteful criticism of the judiciary should, at times, be ignored, adding that the “caravan of justice must move on” without being hindered by such remarks.
The ruling is being seen as an important statement on freedom of expression, particularly in the context of cinema and creative storytelling.