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.
Senior Advocate Vikas Singh criticized Justice G.R. Swaminathan’s order allowing a Deepathoon lamp at Thiruparankundram during Karthigai Deepam, arguing it created a religious right without scripture, history, or legal basis, and threatened public order.
A petition before the Supreme Court seeks FIRs and police action over alleged hate speech, threats and unlawful protests targeting Madras High Court judge Justice G.R. Swaminathan following his Karthigai Deepam order, citing grave threats to judicial independence.
56 former judges have condemned the impeachment move against Justice GR Swaminathan, calling it a “brazen attempt to browbeat judges.” They warn that the action threatens judicial independence and sets a dangerous precedent for democracy.
Eight retired Madras High Court judges urged restraint on contempt action against Advocate Vanchinathan. They said only the CJI can act on misconduct claims under SC’s 1995 precedent.
Justice GR Swaminathan slams Advocate Vanchinathan for accusing him of caste and communal prejudice. The Court warns against crossing the line between criticism and defamatory attacks.
Justice G.R. Swaminathan believes that the first step towards decolonization is to understand existing laws from the perspective of our own civilization. This means linking legal systems to our cultural and historical roots. It challenges the colonial influences still present in today’s laws. Justice Swaminathan highlights the importance of interpreting laws in a way that reflects our local context for true independence.
The Madras High Court stayed the suspension of a KFC outlet’s license for reusing oil, criticizing the lack of procedural requirements followed by the Food Safety Designated Officer. The Court emphasized that the reuse of edible oil is advisory rather than mandatory and highlighted the importance of due process and adherence to legal requirements.
The Madras High Court dismissed a PIL seeking to reduce the All India Bar Examination fee of Rs. 3,500, stating it is reasonable and not excessive. The court emphasized the absence of statutory provisions regulating the fee and highlighted the judiciary’s role in maintaining the integrity of professional examinations while encouraging ongoing discussions about fairness.
The Madras High Court referred the Savukku Shankar case, previously given a split verdict, to a regular division bench, declaring the previous ruling an “anomaly.” The new bench will consider two key questions and review the habeas corpus petition. Justice Jayachandran criticized the delay and lack of judicial integrity in the case.
