Madras HC: Criminal Contempt Initiated Against Advocate For Sharing ‘Derogatory’ Whatsapp Audio Messages Against Judge

WHAT WAS THE CASE

• Criminal contempt proceedings have been initiated by the Madras High Court against an advocate who had shared WhatsApp audio messages regarding a judge that were derogatory in nature.
• Justice M Dhandapani had taken note of the messages and initiated the suo moto contempt proceedings.
• The audio messages shared via WhatsApp claimed that the actions carried out by the judge were not in favor of the welfare of advocates.

WHAT DID THE COURT SAY

• It was held that the actions carried out by the advocate were clearly in the nature of contempt.
• It was added that a negative and gloomy image of the judiciary would be sent out if such messages were allowed to be percolated freely.
• Since the lawyer had shared derogatory audio messages against the judge currently hearing the case, the judge should be recused from hearing the case.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

• It was held that the acts of the advocate are covered under Section 2(c) of the Contempt of Courts Act.
• The Court had initiated a contempt case under Section 14 of the Act.
• The matter has been listed in front of the Chief Justice to decide the appropriate Bench for hearing the case.

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