SC issues notice to all office bearers of Keralam unit of Congress over post targeting CJI Surya Kant

On October 12, a post appearing on the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Kerala Congress unit criticized the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, alleging bias in recent judgments. The message quickly went viral, drawing sharp rebukes from legal experts, civil society groups and political opponents who argued that it threatened the independence of the judiciary. Within hours, the party removed the post and issued a brief apology, but the incident prompted the Supreme Court to intervene, citing concerns over contempt of court and the need to protect the dignity of the highest judicial office.

The Supreme Court's notice, sent to all office bearers of the Kerala Congress, requires them to respond in writing within a stipulated period, explaining the circumstances that led to the post and the steps taken to prevent similar incidents. The court emphasized that any attempt to influence or malign the judiciary through political channels could attract contempt proceedings. Legal scholars noted that the move reflects the court's broader effort to curb the use of social media for political attacks on judges, a trend that has grown with the rise of digital platforms.

For readers across India, the episode highlights the delicate balance between freedom of expression and respect for judicial authority. It also underscores the growing scrutiny of political parties' online conduct, especially in a country where social media shapes public discourse. The case may set a benchmark for how political entities manage their digital communications, reinforcing the principle that criticism of the judiciary must remain within the bounds of law and decorum.