The Supreme Court, led by CJI B.R. Gavai, closed the contempt case against a lawyer and litigant who made scandalous allegations against Telangana High Court Judge Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya, after their apology was accepted. The bench reminded that “Majesty of law lies in forgiving,” while cautioning lawyers against filing petitions with baseless accusations.
Justice JJ Munir of the Allahabad High Court expressed concern about aggressive litigants due to the judiciary’s hesitance to invoke contempt powers, respecting free speech rights. The court dismissed baseless allegations against a presiding officer, emphasizing the need for responsible exercise of rights and maintaining the integrity of the judiciary, imposing costs on the petitioner.
Former locomotive pilot, PU Venkatesan, was convicted of criminal contempt for making scandalous allegations against judges. The Madras High Court sentenced him to six months in prison for displaying no remorse and verbally abusing the judges. His behavior was found to be contemptuous towards the entire justice system. This followed a Facebook post and subsequent letters making reckless allegations.