Madras High Court Directs Sealed Cover Production of Advocate's Social Media Speech Transcript
A division bench of the Madras High Court has issued a significant directive, ordering the court registry to produce the transcript of a social media speech made by advocate Vanchinathan, which criticized Justice G R Swaminathan. The transcript must be submitted in a sealed cover before the court, ensuring confidentiality and proper handling of the sensitive material.
Bench Notes Unavailability of Alleged Scandalous Speech
The bench, comprising Justice G Jayachandran and Justice K K Ramakrishnan, noted that the alleged scandalous speech by Vanchinathan was not readily available. Consequently, they directed counsel representing the court registry to locate and present the transcript in a sealed cover. This step is crucial for the ongoing legal proceedings, as it aims to preserve the integrity of the evidence and prevent any potential tampering or public dissemination before court review.
Background of the Case and Previous Complaints
Last year, Vanchinathan escalated his grievances by writing a letter to the Chief Justice of India, formally complaining about Justice Swaminathan's orders. In subsequent interviews on social media platforms, Vanchinathan made specific remarks against Justice Swaminathan, which have now become the focal point of contempt proceedings. These actions highlight the increasing intersection of digital communication and judicial accountability, raising questions about the boundaries of free speech within the legal profession.
Contempt Proceedings and Judicial Summons
Taking exception to the social media interviews, a division bench consisting of Justice G R Swaminathan and Justice K Rajasekar summoned Vanchinathan on July 24, 2025. During the hearing, the judges inquired if Vanchinathan still stood by his allegations. In response, the advocate stated that he would only provide a reply if the query was presented in writing. This led the judges to order the court registry to issue a formal questionnaire to Vanchinathan, ensuring a structured and documented exchange for the legal process.
Adjournment of Further Hearings
The contempt proceedings, which were initiated after obtaining permission from the chief justice, have been adjourned to March 2 for admission. This adjournment allows time for the sealed transcript to be produced and reviewed, as well as for Vanchinathan to respond to the questionnaire. The case underscores the judiciary's efforts to maintain decorum and respect within the legal system, while addressing challenges posed by modern communication channels.
