Block derogatory videos by ex-judge Karnan, orders HC

CHENNAI: Observing that the damage caused by the vituperative remarks made by former High Court judge CS Karnan against judges, women advocates and judiciary would be immeasurable, the Madras High Court on Tuesday directed blocking of derogatory comments that he had posted on social media.

A division bench comprising Justice M Sathyanarayanan and Justice R Hemalatha sought the immediate removal of the videos and remarks after holding that it was unfortunate that Karnan, who had held an important Constitutional post, has stooped so low and was repeatedly scandalising the judiciary.

During the hearing, the bench also took strong exception to the former judge’s unabated tirade, with allegations against female staff of the court and women lawyers, including a senior advocate. “The vituperative, obscene and unparliamentary attacks against judges of the Supreme Court, High Court and their families by Karnan prima facie constituted cognisable offences under the law for prevention of sexual harassment of women at the workplace,” the bench led by Justice Sathyanarayanan held.

The court offered the interim relief as prayed for by the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu, which had sought both criminal and legal action against the former judge. The plea had also prayed for an interim direction to block the URL on Facebook, YouTube and Google where the video featuring Karnan’s derogatory remarks was shared. Also, recording the submission that no action has been taken against Karnan despite the registration of an FIR for repeatedly trying to barge into the house of a former Supreme Court judge in Chennai, the bench put the State respondents on notice and directed them to file individual counters before December 18, the next date of hearing. The bench also held that the ad interim relief granted would continue until further orders.