Kerala High Court Instigates Contempt Proceedings Against Former MLA for Alleged Facebook Post Accusing Judges of Bias from Sangh Organization
The Kerala High Court has initiated criminal contempt of court proceedings against R Rajesh, a former Communist Party of India (Marxist) MLA and Syndicate Member of the University of Kerala. The contempt proceedings were initiated due to a Facebook post by Rajesh in which he accused judges hearing education-related matters, including the University Registrar suspension case, of being supporters of the Sangh Parivar [1][2][3].
The Court observed that Rajesh's Facebook post amounted to ex facie criminal contempt as it scandalised the Court and interfered with judicial proceedings. The Court noted that it would not tolerate remarks aimed at discrediting judges or diminishing public faith in the judiciary [3]. The charges against Rajesh include defiling the image of the Court and insulting the Judges hearing education-related matters, and making scandalous and unfounded statements [4].
The Court's actions were not driven by personal grievance but by its constitutional responsibility to uphold the rule of law. In its order, the Court stated that the power to do justice includes the power of punishment for wrongdoing, invoking its authority under Section 15 of the Contempt of Courts Act, Article 215 of the Constitution, and Rule 164(2) of the Kerala High Court Rules [5].
Rajesh's Facebook post, in which he questioned the integrity of the judges by attributing political allegiance, was seen as a serious breach of the Court's dignity and authority [3][4]. The Court noted that the post was not merely a criticism of judgments but serious allegations against the judges themselves, which scandalized the court and maligned the reputation of the judges [3][4].
The charges against Rajesh were framed by Justice D.K. Singh. R Rajesh has been directed to appear before the court on July 23, 2025, following the framing of charges and the issuance of a notice by the High Court registry [4]. The Court has directed Rajesh to appear before it in person or through counsel on July 23 at 10:15 am [6].
The Court stated that it was acting to protect the integrity, independence, and majesty of the judiciary. The contempt proceedings arose in the backdrop of the University Registrar suspension case, which was also listed before the same bench on the day this order was passed [7].
Overall, the proceedings are ongoing, with the court having taken a strong stance against what it perceives as interference with the administration of justice and scandalizing of the judiciary.
Dr KS Anil Kumar had initially challenged his suspension by the Vice Chancellor, but later withdrew the petition after the University Syndicate, of which Rajesh is a member, reinstated him [8]. The term 'Sangh Parivar' refers to a network of organizations affiliated with Hindutva body Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliated organizations [9].
- The Kerala High Court's contempt of court proceedings against R Rajesh, a former Communist Party of India (Marxist) MLA, underscores the court's commitment to policy-and-legislation that upholds the rule of law and preserves the dignity and authority of the judiciary.
- The ongoing contempt of court proceedings against R Rajesh, involving charges of defiling the image of the Court, interfering with judicial proceedings, and making scandalous statements, fall under the category of crime-and-justice and general-news.
