The Kerala High Court on Tuesday said it will initiate suo motu criminal contempt proceedings against CPI(M) leader and former MLA R Rajesh. The court acted over a Facebook post made by Rajesh against Justice Dinesh Kumar Singh, who had reserved judgment in a writ petition filed by Rajesh.
Justice Singh, while hearing another matter, addressed Rajesh’s lawyer and expressed strong displeasure over the social media post. He said, “This is not a reputation built in a day. He wants to pressurise because the judgment has been reserved. I am not one of those who can be pressurised. He can do it only over my dead body.”
Justice Singh told the courtroom that Rajesh’s post was an attempt to influence the court and tarnish the judge’s reputation. “The petitioner has the guts to write a Facebook post against me. He considers himself above the law,” he said.
The court also noted that the post was widely circulated and contained serious allegations, including accusations of saffronisation of the judiciary. Justice Singh stated, “This crosses all limits. When the decision is reserved, how can he make such a dirty post? I am warning you. I am taking suo motu cognisance and framing charges.”
Petition related to registrar suspension withdrawn
The case was related to a writ petition challenging the suspension of Kerala University’s registrar. R Rajesh, a member of the university’s syndicate, was the petitioner. However, the registrar later withdrew the petition after the syndicate stayed the suspension.
Justice Singh emphasised that the post not only damages his individual reputation but also lowers the dignity of the institution. “I have not become a judge to be pressurised. The order will be uploaded by evening,” he said.
The High Court made it clear that such conduct is unacceptable and criminal contempt proceedings will follow.
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