The Calcutta High Court has directed the West Bengal Police to devise a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for addressing social media content targeting judges and the institution of the judiciary.
The direction was issued by Justice Jay Sengupta during the hearing of proceedings connected to a petition filed by Hindu monk Swami Pradiptananda, popularly known as Kartik Maharaj, who has sought quashing of a rape case registered against him.
During the course of the hearing, the Court expressed serious concern over the circulation of online videos and social media posts allegedly containing defamatory and scandalous remarks against judges of the High Court. The Bench observed that certain content creators had continued to publish speculative and disparaging material concerning judicial proceedings, even on days when the Court had not convened.
Taking note of what it described as an increasing trend of attacks on the judiciary through digital platforms, the Court remarked that such content appeared calculated to undermine the dignity and credibility of judicial institutions. In this backdrop, Justice Sengupta directed the Director General of Police to place before the Court a comprehensive framework detailing how law enforcement authorities propose to deal with online posts targeting judges and judicial functioning.
The proceedings arise out of an FIR registered at Nabagram Police Station against Kartik Maharaj. The complainant has alleged that the monk sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions in 2013 on the pretext of securing employment at an institution run by Bharat Sevashram Sangha. The FIR also contains allegations relating to forced abortion and criminal intimidation.
The petitioner has denied all allegations and claimed before the Court that the criminal proceedings were politically motivated. He also sought in-camera proceedings, referring to various social media videos allegedly targeting both him and judges hearing the matter.
The High Court is expected to hear the matter further on June 22.
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