The Madras High Court confirmed actor SVe Shekher’s one-month imprisonment sentence for a derogatory social media post against women journalists. Despite appealing the conviction and defending his actions, shekher’s arguments were dismissed. He has ninety days to challenge the order in the Supreme Court, after which the sentence will be executed.
Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra, speaking at a national council meeting in Gujarat, stressed the significance of fraternity as a unifying force in the Indian Constitution amidst rising divisive rhetoric and economic inequality. He urged for proactive judicial roles and inclusive policies to promote unity and harmony in society, emphasizing the continual journey towards a just community.
The Supreme Court, while reviewing the dismissals of judicial officers Aditi Kumar Sharma and Sarita Chaudhary, stressed the need for judges to avoid social media to maintain judicial discipline and impartiality. The court acknowledged various factors affecting performance and is deliberating on the reinstatement of the dismissed officers.
Delhi Police opposed Nadeem Khan’s plea, citing risks to communal harmony due to his social media actions. They argue he spreads misleading narratives that instigate unrest and threaten unity. The Delhi High Court granted him interim protection from arrest while emphasizing cooperation in the investigation, highlighting the importance of maintaining national harmony.
On December 2, the Supreme Court temporarily released YSRCP social media in-charge Sajjala Bhargava Reddy, allowing him to approach the High Court regarding multiple FIRs alleging derogatory online posts about Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu. The court granted him two weeks of protection from arrest while emphasizing the importance of High Courts.
On May 30, 2023, a misleading tweet alleged that Senior Advocate Pradeep Rai was summoned for questioning by the STF and falsely connected him to a conman. The tweet was deleted within two hours, but it damaged Rai’s reputation. AajTak later apologized, and mediation for a defamation case is ongoing.
Former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud warned against the influence of pressure groups and social media on judicial outcomes, urging judges to maintain independence and focus on constitutional values. He noted the dangers of forming opinions based on brief social media content, emphasizing the judiciary’s role in democracy and the complexities of law interpretation.
A violent clash at the Ghaziabad District Court between lawyers and police arose from a dispute over a case, leading to police using lathi charges to restore order. The ensuing chaos included injuries and protests by lawyers. This incident underscores the need for improved communication between judges and lawyers to maintain courtroom decorum.
The DMK in Tamil Nadu has filed a defamation suit (25th Oct) against AIADMK chief Edappadi K. Palaniswami, seeking Rs. 1 crore in damages. The case, presented by R.S. Bharathi, accuses Palaniswami of falsely linking the DMK to drug-related allegations and damaging its public image. A hearing is scheduled for next week.
A 29-year-old man, Ashwin Makwana, arrested in Rajkot under Gujarat’s new law against black magic and superstitious practices. He was caught performing rituals in a crematorium and posting a video online. This is the first case under the law, which aims to curb inhuman and harmful rituals.
