The Karnataka High Court has delivered a stern verdict, sentencing a former employee of Bengaluru's Institute of Astrophysics to four months of simple imprisonment. The sentence was handed down in a criminal contempt case for making what the court termed 'scurrilous statements' against sitting judges and other legal officials.
The Contemptuous Allegations and Court Proceedings
The case centred around the actions of the former employee, Dhananjay, who was dismissed from his position at the Institute of Astrophysics. Following his termination, he launched a series of serious and unfounded allegations. He accused judges of the Karnataka High Court and members of the Central Administrative Tribunal of 'case fixing'. His claims also targeted police officials and advocates, alleging a broad criminal conspiracy against him.
These actions led to the initiation of criminal contempt proceedings against him in 2023, with the consent of the Advocate-General. Dhananjay filed a memorandum of objections in his defence, but the court found his justifications lacking.
Court's Strong Rebuke and Rationale for Sentence
A bench comprising Justices Anu Sivaraman and Vijaykumar Patil pronounced the order on December 11, 2025. The court strongly condemned Dhananjay's conduct, stating he had committed 'aggravated contempt in the face of the Court'.
The order highlighted that the accused failed to present any mitigating circumstances for his behaviour. Instead, he attempted to justify his actions and continued to make scandalous statements against the entire judicial institution. The bench noted, "His conduct can only be termed as deliberate and adamant and reveals complete apathy towards social, moral, and judicial codes of conduct."
The judges expressed a clear opinion that such behaviour must be punished to deter others. They warned that failing to act could allow individuals with similar disregard for the judiciary to repeat such offences without fear of consequences.
The Final Verdict and Penalty
In addition to the four-month simple imprisonment, the bench also imposed a monetary penalty on Dhananjay. He was ordered to pay a fine of Rs 2,000. The court's decisive action underscores the judiciary's zero-tolerance policy towards attacks on its integrity and the administration of justice.
This ruling serves as a significant precedent, reinforcing the principle that while criticism of the judiciary is permissible, it must be constructive and based on facts. Baseless, scandalous allegations aimed at undermining public confidence in the legal system will attract severe penal consequences.
