Madras High Court issues summons to probe CJP’s Saurav Das, block his X and Instagram accounts | Today’s news
The Madras High Court has issued a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) notice seeking a detailed probe into the background and identity documents of Yogesh Sharma, also known as Saurav Das, the national co-convenor of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).
On Friday, the businessman approached the court seeking directions to the Union Home Ministry to conduct an immediate, detailed and fair investigation into Das and his parents, news agency PTI reported.
In his petition, Ganesh Kumar claimed that Das’s family tree could be traced back to Nepal and argued that the claim needed investigation. He argued that if the allegation was found to be true, “he cannot lecture about our government and our judiciary.”
The petitioner also accused Das of “misusing” the judiciary and demanded cancellation of his passport and Aadhaar card if he is found guilty of the alleged violations.
A first bench comprising Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan heard the PIL filed by Kumar, a resident of Kancheepuram district. The court ordered notice returnable within six weeks to the Union government, the regional passport officer and 10 others.
Plea seeks to block Saurav Das’ social media accounts
Kumar also sought directions to the Ministry of Electronics and Telecommunications to block Twitter and Instagram accounts operating under the name “Saurav Das”.
The petition sought to prevent Das from making further defamatory statements against the judiciary and judges of the Supreme Court.
He also sought to be restrained from making allegedly defamatory, abusive, insulting, vulgar, barbaric and disparaging statements against the judiciary, including personal remarks against judges of the Supreme Court, High Courts and lower courts.
The petitioner argued that such remarks should not be allowed under the guise of freedom of speech and expression, whether made through traditional media or social media platforms.
He further sought to extend the proposed restriction to statements made through Das’ friends, colleagues, agents or representatives while the case remained pending.
The petitioner raises questions about identity documents and funding
In his petition, Kumar alleged that Das had repeatedly made offensive remarks against the judiciary and alleged that such conduct amounted to a misuse of the Constitution.
He further alleged that if the information about Das having Nepalese roots is true, Yogesh Sharma deliberately concealed these details and fraudulently obtained the Aadhaar card, voter ID card and Indian passport.
The petitioner sought an inquiry into how Das obtained these identity documents and the sources of funding allegedly supporting his activities.
He also called for an investigation into the persons or entities providing funds to Das and the accounts through which the money was received.
Kumar argued that a detailed investigation into these aspects is necessary in the interest of the nation and accountability.
The allegations and requests form part of the petition in the Madras High Court. The court issued a notice to the respondents stating that the matter would be returned within six weeks.
