Tamil Nadu Police Chief Details Action Against Defamatory Content Targeting Judge
In a significant development, the Director General of Police (DGP) of Tamil Nadu has formally informed the Supreme Court of India about the concrete steps taken by state law enforcement against individuals who disseminated defamatory remarks targeting Madras High Court judge Justice G R Swaminathan. This judicial communication comes in response to a petition that raised concerns about inadequate state action regarding protests and derogatory content circulation.
Background of the Controversial Episode
The controversy emerged after Justice Swaminathan issued an order concerning the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam on the Deepa Thoon (lamp pillar) at the renowned Thiruparankundram Subramaniya Swamy Hill Temple. Following this judicial directive, certain elements began spreading objectionable content that allegedly scandalized the judge and the court. Advocate G S Mani, who is also associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), filed a petition highlighting that caste- and religion-based defamatory remarks were being circulated against Justice Swaminathan.
Comprehensive Police Response and Cyber Measures
In his detailed affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, Tamil Nadu DGP G Venkataraman outlined the multi-pronged approach adopted by the police force. The Cyber Crime Wing identified 14 URLs on Facebook and 16 URLs on Twitter (now X) containing prohibited material. These were promptly forwarded for content blocking procedures. As of the affidavit submission, four URLs on Facebook have been successfully blocked, while the remaining URLs await action from the concerned intermediaries.
Continuous cyber patrolling is being rigorously carried out by the specialized Cyber Crime Wing to monitor digital platforms and prevent further circulation of such derogatory content. The police have committed to initiating necessary legal action whenever violations are detected through this surveillance mechanism.
Statewide Instructions and Legal Framework
The affidavit reveals that comprehensive instructions have been issued to all superintendents of police across districts, all commissioners of police in urban areas, and the director general of the cyber crime wing. These directives mandate immediate and effective action to ensure that no pictorial representations, statements, caricatures, or any content tending to scandalize the court or judge are published or circulated.
In a concrete legal move, the cyber crime cell of the Greater Chennai police has already registered cases under specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, read with Section 67 of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The invoked sections include 196, 221, 267, 353(1)(c), and 351(2), indicating serious legal consequences for those involved in creating or spreading the objectionable content.
Ongoing Vigilance and Judicial Oversight
The Tamil Nadu police have assured the Supreme Court of their continued vigilance in this matter. The affidavit emphasizes the department's commitment to maintaining the dignity of the judiciary and taking appropriate legal measures against anyone attempting to undermine judicial authority through defamatory campaigns. This case highlights the growing intersection between traditional law enforcement and digital crime prevention in protecting judicial institutions from malicious attacks.
