The Kerala High Court has cracked down hard on former CPI(M) legislator and current University Syndicate member R Rajesh, launching suo motu criminal contempt proceedings over a fiery Facebook post that accused judges of ideological bias. In that post, Rajesh claimed the bench handling education-related cases, including the contentious University Registrar suspension matter, was loaded with staunch supporters of the Sangh Parivar.
Justice DK Singh didn’t mince words in a July 7 order, calling Rajesh’s remarks a direct assault on the judiciary’s dignity. “He has not criticised judgments, but the judges themselves — in language that scandalises the Court,” the judge noted.
Rajesh’s post, published July 5, wasn’t subtle. He questioned whether justice was truly served or whether saffron flags had replaced blindfolds in judicial halls. A particularly inflammatory line read: “Did the goddess of justice or the woman carrying the saffron flag win here?”
The High Court saw red — not just at the symbolism, but at what it viewed as a calculated effort to undermine the public’s trust in the judicial system. Justice Singh underscored that no person, public figure or not, has the liberty to fire salvos at judges under the guise of criticism, especially when such remarks threaten the very integrity of the courts.
The controversy traces back to the University Registrar suspension case. Dr KS Anil Kumar, suspended by the Vice Chancellor, had challenged the action in court. But the petition was later withdrawn after the Syndicate — in which Rajesh plays a key role — reversed the suspension. Even so, Rajesh’s post implied that the judiciary’s actions (or inaction) were ideologically driven, a line the court refused to let slide.
In a pointed reminder, the bench clarified it wasn’t acting out of wounded pride but fulfilling its constitutional obligation to defend the sanctity of the judiciary. “The power to punish is not vengeance — it’s part of doing justice,” the court stated.
Using its authority under Section 15 of the Contempt of Courts Act, Article 215 of the Constitution, and Rule 164(2) of the Kerala High Court Rules, the court formally framed two charges:
- That Rajesh’s social media post aimed to defile the court’s image and insult its judges.
- That his statements were not just defamatory but met the legal threshold of criminal contempt.
Rajesh has now been summoned to appear — either personally or through counsel — on July 23 at 10:15 AM. The courtroom doors await, and this time, it’s not just justice on trial, but a politician’s words.
