📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Raakesh Blokhra
Crime
Criminal Contempt Petition Filed in Punjab & Haryana High Court Against CJP Saurav Das Over X Post
✍️ Live Law
🗓 10 Sep 2026, 06:49 PM
👁 28
A criminal contempt petition has been lodged in the Punjab & Haryana High Court against Chief Justice of Punjab's Saurav Das for a post on X concerning the Chief.
The Punjab & Haryana High Court received a criminal contempt petition targeting Saurav Das, the Chief Justice of Punjab, over a post he made on the social media platform X. The petition alleges that the content of the post disrespected the office of the Chief Justice and violated provisions of the Contempt of Courts Act.
Legal counsel for the petitioner argued that the post, which referenced the Chief Justice in a derogatory manner, undermines public confidence in the judiciary. They have asked the court to initiate proceedings that could lead to penalties, including fines or imprisonment, if the contempt is proven.
The court has not yet scheduled a hearing, and Saurav Das has not publicly responded to the allegations. The matter highlights the growing scrutiny of judicial figures' use of social media in India.
If the petition proceeds, the case will be examined under Section 2 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, which defines criminal contempt as any act that scandalizes or tends to lower the authority of the court.
Stakeholders, including legal experts and civil society groups, are watching the development closely, noting its potential impact on freedom of expression and judicial accountability.
Legal counsel for the petitioner argued that the post, which referenced the Chief Justice in a derogatory manner, undermines public confidence in the judiciary. They have asked the court to initiate proceedings that could lead to penalties, including fines or imprisonment, if the contempt is proven.
The court has not yet scheduled a hearing, and Saurav Das has not publicly responded to the allegations. The matter highlights the growing scrutiny of judicial figures' use of social media in India.
If the petition proceeds, the case will be examined under Section 2 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, which defines criminal contempt as any act that scandalizes or tends to lower the authority of the court.
Stakeholders, including legal experts and civil society groups, are watching the development closely, noting its potential impact on freedom of expression and judicial accountability.