Justice G.R. Swaminathan heard contempt proceedings over alleged non-compliance in the Thirupparankundram Deepam matter, with officials saying prohibitory orders were only to control crowds. The Madras High Court granted time to the District Collector to file an additional affidavit and adjourned the case to March 2.
The Tamil Nadu DGP informed the Supreme Court that criminal cases have been registered against protesters for allegedly making caste and religion-based defamatory remarks against Justice G R Swaminathan. The action follows the Madras High Court judge’s order allowing the lighting of Karthigai Deepam on Thirupparankundram hill.
The Supreme Court expressed serious displeasure over former Union Minister Maneka Gandhi’s remarks on its stray dog observations, stating that her comments amounted to contempt of court, though no proceedings were initiated due to judicial restraint.
The Madras High Court warned Madurai district officials it may initiate contempt proceedings for failing to follow court orders on Karthigai Deepam lighting at Thiruparankundram hill. “Unforgivable! Unless They Apologize in Writing,” said Justice GR Swaminathan.
Justice G R Swaminathan of the Madurai Bench expressed anguish over repeatedly summoning officials for contempt. He said citing law and order to defy court orders is unacceptable and reflects a serious breakdown of the legal framework system.
Justice GR Swaminathan questioned Senior Advocate Vikas Singh over reported remarks suggesting the judge had political ambitions during the Thiruparankundram lamp-lighting contempt hearing. The Madras High Court also sought an explanation from the State Chief Secretary over alleged non-compliance with court orders.
The Supreme Court set aside a contempt conviction against a Navi Mumbai woman who called judges part of a “dog mafia,” stressing that contempt power protects the institution, not individual judges. The Court said mercy must guide decisions when genuine remorse is shown.
Madras High Court upheld a single-judge order permitting devotees to light the Karthigai Deepam lamp at the Deepathoon on Thirupparankundram hill. The Court criticised officials for blocking the ritual and warned of possible contempt action.
Ex-CJI BR Gavai said he continued court proceedings on instinct and chose not to seek action against the lawyer who attempted to hurl a shoe at him inside the Supreme Court. He stressed that calmness and respect for judicial decorum guided his decision despite the act being termed contempt.
The Delhi High Court condemned the shoe-throwing incident targeting CJI BR Gavai, saying it deeply hurt both the Bar and the Bench. The court stressed that such acts insult the entire judicial institution, not just an individual.
