The Supreme Court has issued a notice in a public interest litigation (PIL) aimed at protecting the independence of the judiciary and preventing intimidation and communalization of judicial orders. This follows recent rulings by Justice G.R. Swaminathan of the Madras High Court allowing the Deepam ceremony at the Thiruparankundram temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The Bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and P.B. Varale has sought responses from various officials in Tamil Nadu.
The PIL, filed by advocate G.S. Mani under Article 32 of the Constitution, emphasizes the need to safeguard the institution of judiciary, uphold the rule of law, prevent communal polarization, and ensure consistent application of constitutional norms nationwide. The petitioner highlights the controversy surrounding Justice Swaminathan’s orders and expresses concerns about excessive criticism, communalization of judicial acts, and interference with the administration of justice.
The plea underscores that judges should not face pressure from protests or online abuse for their decisions, stressing that the proper recourse against a judicial ruling is through legal procedures like appeal or review. It warns that allowing campaigns against judges could undermine judicial independence and deter judges from performing their duties impartially, potentially impacting public order and communal harmony in Tamil Nadu.
