The Delhi High Court has ruled a YouTuber guilty of criminal contempt for posting videos and banners with derogatory remarks about judicial officers and the judiciary. The court stated that this behavior aimed to undermine public trust in the justice system. The YouTuber, Gulshan Pahuja of “Fight 4 Judicial Reforms,” was found to have crossed the line by making unverified allegations against the judiciary.
The court discharged advocates Shiv Narayan Sharma and Deepak Singh after they apologized for their remarks featured in the videos. The division bench, led by Justices Navin Chawla and Ravinder Dudeja, initiated criminal contempt proceedings based on contentious interviews and statements targeting specific judges and the judicial system.
Advocating for reforms like recording court proceedings does not constitute contempt, clarified the court. While acknowledging the right to criticize the justice system, the court noted that the YouTuber’s actions were intended to scandalize the judiciary rather than engage in constructive debate. The YouTuber had made sweeping allegations without verifying facts or relying on judicial records.
The court emphasized the importance of evidence when questioning a judicial officer’s integrity or competence. It criticized the videos and banners for creating distrust and sensationalism instead of fostering meaningful dialogue. The court also condemned attempts to mock and undermine the judiciary as a whole, stating that such actions constitute criminal contempt.
Rejecting the defense of free speech, the court held the YouTuber guilty under the Contempt of Courts Act. The respondent has been directed to appear before the court on May 12 for sentencing.
