The Delhi High Court on Monday mandated the immediate removal of social media content deemed contemptuous and targeting a sitting judge in connection with the collapse of a multi-storey building in Saidulajab last month, an incident that resulted in six fatalities.
A vacation bench, comprising Justices Neena Bansal Krishna and Madhu Jain, issued the directive after hearing a plea filed by the Delhi High Court Bar Association (DHCBA). The DHCBA sought criminal contempt proceedings against a social media user, identified as Dr. Kapil Kakar, for allegedly posting videos that scandalously held a high court judge responsible for the Saidulajab building collapse.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that DHCBA president, senior advocate N. Hariharan, informed the court that Dr. Kakar had disseminated videos on various social media platforms containing allegations of contempt against the judge. These allegations pertained to the judge having previously presided over a case concerning alleged illegal construction at the site of the collapsed building.
The bench emphasized the seriousness of the matter, questioning the social media platforms on their failure to proactively remove such content upon becoming aware of its existence. “There should be some responsibility. Once you get to know about something so absurd, why don’t you remove them? Once it comes to your notice, why can’t you do it on your own,” the court posed to the representatives of the social media companies.
The court further observed that such instances were not isolated but occurred frequently. “This is not one case. This is happening daily,” the bench stated, highlighting a recurring issue with online defamation and contemptuous content.
Counsel representing social media platforms Meta, Google, and LinkedIn assured the court that the objectionable videos would be taken down in compliance with its directions.
Despite the DHCBA’s assertion that significant damage had already been caused by the disseminated content, the court remarked that the information was not genuine and appeared intended solely to scandalize. “This is not genuine information. Public memory is short. This is only to scandalise,” the bench commented.
In addition to seeking the removal of the videos, the DHCBA had also petitioned the court to block the social media account of the alleged contemnor. The court indicated that it would issue a formal order addressing the prayer for account blocking.
The Saidulajab building collapse, which occurred in the national capital last month, had drawn significant public attention and scrutiny. Investigations into the incident had focused on potential building code violations and illegal construction practices. The involvement of a judicial officer in the controversy through alleged social media posts has escalated the legal ramifications, prompting judicial intervention to maintain the integrity of the legal process and protect judicial decorum.
The Delhi High Court Bar Association, as a professional body representing lawyers, has taken a proactive stance in seeking to curb the spread of misinformation and contemptuous remarks against members of the judiciary. Such actions by bar associations are often aimed at upholding the dignity of the courts and ensuring that judicial proceedings are not unduly influenced or scandalized by unsubstantiated claims made on public platforms.
The case underscores the growing challenges faced by courts in managing the impact of social media on ongoing legal matters and judicial reputation. The swift action by the Delhi High Court in directing the removal of content reflects a commitment to addressing such issues promptly to prevent further damage to the administration of justice. The court’s questioning of social media platforms also points towards an evolving legal landscape where online intermediaries are expected to take greater responsibility for the content hosted on their platforms, especially when it pertains to contempt of court or defamation of judicial officers.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
