The Madras High Court ruled that trial judges must actively participate in proceedings and not remain passive observers. Justices GR Swaminathan and R Poornima restored a money recovery suit, holding that courts must seek clarifications and ensure fair trial principles through judicial engagement.
The Madras High Court refused to ban the Tamil film Karuppu, observing that portraying judicial corruption and criticising the judiciary cannot automatically amount to contempt, while emphasising that judges are not beyond scrutiny and freedom of artistic expression must be protected in a democratic society.
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.