Journalist Ajeet Bharti has approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court fearing action by the Punjab Police over his remarks about CJI B.R. Gavai. He said his comments were journalistic opinions on matters of public importance, not criminal in nature.
YouTuber Ajeet Bharti approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court seeking protection from any coercive actions by the Punjab Police regarding his remarks about Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai.
Justice Subhas Mehla briefly addressed the case today, with the next hearing scheduled for November 3.
CJI Gavai has faced significant criticism, both online and offline, particularly from right-wing individuals and groups, following his comments in a case related to the restoration of a seven-foot Lord Vishnu idol in Khajuraho.
Notably, an advocate named Rakesh Kishore even attempted to throw a shoe at him during court proceedings.
Reports indicate that the Punjab Police have filed multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) concerning social media posts targeting the CJI. Bharti and others have been accused of making “casteist” and “provocative” remarks against him.
In his petition, Bharti stated that he learned through media coverage that criminal cases might be lodged against him under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
However, he expressed that he was unaware of the specifics of these cases, which hindered his ability to seek proper remedies.
Bharti contended that his statements constituted a journalist opinion and emphasized his highest reverence for the judiciary.
He asserted,
“The Petitioner has given no statement or otherwise stated anything which has any criminal implication, much less violation of Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 as reported by several media reports. It is submitted the views of the Petitioner have always been in the nature of journalistic opinion on a matter of public importance and does not satisfy the statutory ingredients of the offences now being reportedly alleged through media. The Petitioner has highest reverence for the Judiciary and his statements/comments are intended to improve the functioning of the system.”
Additionally, Bharti noted that leaders from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have condemned the online attacks against CJI Gavai, labeling them as an affront to the Constitution and Dalits.
He referenced a public statement by Arvind Kejriwal, who characterized the incident as an attack on Dalits and called for strict measures against those criticizing the CJI.
Advocate Amit Siwach represented Bharti in this matter.
Earlier, Police in Punjab registered over a dozen FIRs against right-wing influencer Ajeet Bharti and others by the evening of October 8, for making “casteist and provocative” remarks on social media concerning Chief Justice of India BR Gavai.
This follows an incident on October 6, where a lawyer attempted to attack the CJI with a shoe in the Supreme Court.
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