The Andhra Pradesh High Court has initiated suo moto contempt proceedings against 49 persons. It initiated action for making abusive and intimidating social media posts against judges. While 8 more unidentified persons made contemptuous comments, the Court ordered the Government to trace them. Contemnors include a Member of Parliament and a former Member of Legislative Assembly: MP Nandigam Suresh and former MLA Amanchi Krishna Mohan both belonging to the ruling YSR Congress party.
Brief Facts of the Case
A bench comprising of Chief Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice C Praveen Kumar gave the above mentioned order. It observed that comments made by these accused were abusive, hateful and contemptuous. The Accused made public statements attributing motive, caste and corruption allegations against Supreme Court judges, High Court judges and High Court itself.
The Contemnors
The Court referred to the live speech made by Nandigam Suresh (MLA) who is member of YSR Congress party. Sakshi new broadcasted his speech. In his speech, he attributed motives to the High Court. He alleged that former Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu got to know about the Court’s decision in a case about half an hour or 10 minutes before its pronouncement.
The Court noted, “A video footage of Sakshi news reveal that Mr. N Suresh in his live speech from YCP office, Tadepalli attributed motives to the Hon’ble High Court that Mr. Chandrababu Naidu is managing the High Court and he also stated that how Mr. Chandrababu Naidu came to know the verdict before half an hour or ten minutes of its pronouncement and he shall be enquired and his call list be disclosed.”
Another contemnor named Chandu Reddy posted life threatening tweets. He tweeted, “Total [of the]… judges are there in the High Court, all those will be cut into piece.” He posted another tweet saying, “Everyone shall be cut into pieces. All Judges shall be kept in a room and a Corona patient shall be left with them.”
The High Court took note of another contemnor, Kishore Reddy Darisa. He posted abusive comments in Facebook against High Court judges.
Certain High Court rulings delivered some time ago this year attracted severe criticism. These incidents took place after the Court made theses rulings. People alleged that the Court gave biased rulings and it favoured the Opposition party in the state. Few days back the Court quashed a Government order. Government issued order for painting Government buildings with colours representing ruling party in the state. In another case, it revoked the suspension of a former Intelligence Chief, ABV Rao.
The Court heard the Advocate General. Wherein he stated such comments are made unwarranted and to scandalize or tend to scandalize the institution. He gave his consent in writing for commencement of the proceedings initiated by this Court.
The Court issued notice to all the accused to seek their explanation on the statement made by them. They will have to appear in person or through their advocate on June 16.
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