Andhra Pradesh High Court made some serious observations on the derogatory remarks against it on social media and regarding a habeas corpus petition. It also expressed suspicion that there was a conspiracy behind the anti-judiciary comments on social media saying that no one attacks judges without some external backing and vowed to find out those people. A division bench comprising Justice Rakesh Kumar and Umadevi also warned that the court cannot tolerate attempts to lower the prestige of the judiciary. The court, in a serious comment, said those who do not have faith in the judiciary can go to Parliament and seek abolishment of the AP High Court. Questioning whether there is any rule of law in Andhra Pradesh, it warned the state government that it would have to use the powers bestowed by the Constitution if there is no rule of law in the state.
Insulting judges
The High Court took the case of inappropriate and derogatory comments on social media on judges seriously. Stating that democracy stands on three pillars, it warned that any attempt to lower the dignity of the judiciary, one of the three pillars, might lead to internal strife. It said everyone would take law into their own hands once they lose faith in the judiciary.
Stating that everyone has responsibility to protect the system, it asked the social media platforms not to allow such objectionable posts. The court made these remarks while hearing a petition filed earlier by the High Court in-charge registrar stating that there was no further action on the case filed by the CID on social media posts targeting courts and judges of the High Court.
The petitioner urged appropriate action in the issue and prayed the court to issue orders restricting social media platforms from allowing such content.
AP police under fire
The bench lamented that there was no change in the behavior of AP police despite court summoning the DGP himself and chiding him for absence of rule of law in the state. It warned that the state government has to face dire consequences if such a situation continues. At the same time, it disapproved filing petitions against some police officials with false allegations.
Will the government heed?
Never in the past has the High Court made such serious remarks against the government. The critical observations assume importance in the wake of ministers, YSRCP MPs, MLAs and leaders launching a concerted campaign targeting judges of the High Court and even the Supreme Court aimed at damaging the reputation of the judiciary. All this turned into a fight between the judiciary and the government. It made people view any judgment given by the courts on government decisions and policies suspiciously. The High Court’s comments which came in this backdrop have triggered a debate among people.
