Madras High Court Summons Lawyer Who Alleged Communal And Caste Bias By Judge

The bench of Justice GR Swaminathan and Justice K Rajasekar opined that the scandalous allegations made by Vanchinathan constituted criminal contempt of court. Since a direct question to Vanchinathan, on whether he stood by his statement did not bring in any reply, the court posed the question to him in writing and asked him to respond by 28th July at 1:15pm in person.

The court was hearing a writ appeal when it noted that Vanchinathan had filed Vakalat for one of the parties. Noting that Vanchinathan had been alleging that Justice Swaminathan had been exhibiting communal and caste bias in discharging judicial duties, and had been attributing improper motive to the judge, the bench summoned Vanchinathan to appear before it in person.

In compliance with the summons, Vanchinathan appeared before the bench. When the court questioned him on whether he stood by his stand, Vanchinathan said that he was no longer the counsel for the party and had returned the papers.

The bench however remarked that his disassociation from the case could not lead to closure of the action initiated by the bench.

The bench rebuked Vanchinathan and noted that he had been previously suspended by the Bar Council of India on the ground that his conduct was unbecoming of a lawyer. The court noted that though he was expected to improve his conduct after revocation of the suspension, he had not changed ways and continued to slander judiciary. The court added that that it was one thing to criticize a judgment of the court but another to cast aspersions on a judge.

Thus, the bench summoned Vanchinathan to appear before it personally on 28^th July and respond to its query.