Calcutta High Court’s Directive on Social Media Protocol
The Calcutta High Court has mandated the West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP) to establish a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to address social media posts that target judges. This directive was issued by Justice Jay Sengupta on May 21, following reports of a YouTube video making “wanton aspersions” against the court in a case involving the quashing of rape charges against Swami Pradiptananda, also known as Kartik Maharaj, a Padma Shri awardee and Hindu monk.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
The allegations stem from a case registered at Nabagram police station, where it was claimed that Maharaj raped a woman multiple times in 2013 after offering her a teaching position at a school affiliated with Bharat Sevashram Sangha. The complainant further accused him of forced abortion and criminal intimidation. Maharaj, however, refuted these accusations in a petition filed last year, asserting that he was being targeted by the Trinamool Congress government and the then Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee.
Concerns Over Disturbing Social Media Content
Justice Sengupta’s order was influenced by content that allegedly maligned the court and its judges, including claims about adverse actions being taken behind closed doors on non-sitting days. The court remarked on the “defamatory and contumacious outbursts” against its judges in general. Additional videos were also described as “very disturbing” in nature.
Legal Representation and Next Steps
Representing the petitioner, Senior Advocate Billwadal Bhattacharyya appeared alongside Advocates Moyukh Mukherjee, Sagnika Banerjee, Megha Datta, and Tamoghna Pramanick. The State’s representation was led by Advocate K Bhattacharya. The court is scheduled to revisit the matter on June 22, during which further proceedings will be discussed.
Implications of the Court’s Order
This directive from the Calcutta High Court highlights the growing concern over the impact of social media on judicial proceedings and the reputation of the judiciary. With the upcoming hearing, the development and implementation of an SOP will be crucial in addressing these concerns effectively.
