Protest against Judge Swaminathan: SC asks State govt to respond
The Supreme Court on Thrusday issued notice in a public interest litigation seeking actions against the protestors who allegedly spread defamatory remarks against Justice G.R. Swaminathan, Judge of the Madras High Court, subsequent to his order to light the Karthigai Deepam on the Deepa Thoon (lamp pillar) at the Thiruparankundram Subramaniya Swamy Hill Temple, Madurai.
A bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Justice PB Varale heard the matter. Notices have been issued to the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu, Home Secretary, Director General of Police, and the Commissioner of Police, Chennai.
The PIL has been filed by Advocate G.S. Mani, belonging to the Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging that caste- and religion-based defamatory remarks have been made against Justice Swaminathan, with an intention to disturb social harmony and provoke law and order and communal unrest.
Appearing in person, Mani submitted that several representations have been made to the Tamil Nadu police regarding the protests taking place outside the Madras and Madurai benches of the High Court.
He has alleged that individuals affiliated with ruling DMK-supported parties, including the Communist parties, along with certain lawyers, have carried out illegal and unauthorised protests in public places and have repeatedly staged demonstrations outside the Madras and Madurai Benches of the High Court and other court premises.
The protesters are said to have demanded the resignation of a sitting judge and attributed improper motives to his judicial decisions. It is further alleged that the State Government and police authorities remained passive and failed to take action against those involved.
However, Justice Kumar said that the Court will not issue notice on emotive arguments. The bench then asked for the Tamil Nadu State Counsel, Advocate Sabarish Subramanian, to appear so that the Court can assess the present situation.