The Supreme Court has taken seriously the protests taking place in Tamil Nadu targeting a judge of the Madras High Court. The Supreme Court has sought answers from top officials of the state on the matter. It has been told in the petition that after a decision of High Court judge Justice GR Swaminathan, open protests were organized against him, objectionable slogans were raised and defamatory comments were made against him on social media and media.
How did the controversy start?
Justice Swaminathan of the Madras High Court had given permission to light the lamp at the traditional Deepathun (light pillar) of the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Murugan at Thiruparankundram hill in Madurai. Hindu devotees wanted to celebrate ‘Karthigai Deepam’ (Karthik Deep) festival on the full moon day of Tamil Kartik month as per tradition. The state government was refusing this citing that there was a mosque at a short distance from the lamp post.
Provocative slogans against the judge
Some organizations and political parties objected to the order of Justice Swaminathan and started protesting against the judge. In this, slogans were raised targeting the judge personally. These slogans were inciting on the basis of caste and religion.
Tamil Nadu lawyer’s petition
Tamil Nadu lawyer and BJP leader GS Mani has raised this matter in the Supreme Court. His petition states that these activities have hurt the dignity of the judiciary and also affected public order. But the state government has not yet taken any action against the protesters. The petitioner has demanded from the Supreme Court that such demonstrations should be banned and strict action should be taken against those responsible.
The court took the matter seriously
The case was posted for hearing in the Supreme Court in the bench of Justice Arvind Kumar and Justice PB Varale. Taking the matter seriously, the judges asked the lawyer of Tamil Nadu government to appear in the court. The bench said that the activities targeting judges are worrying for the justice system. After this, the bench issued notice to the Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu, Home Secretary, DGP and Chennai Police Commissioner. Justice Arvind Kumar said that the officers should file the report within 2 weeks. After seeing their report, a decision will be taken on further action.
Also read:-
‘Ajit Pawar’s passion is praiseworthy’, PM Modi called Sharad Pawar and expressed grief
