India’s Supreme Court has raised alarm regarding the misuse of social media platforms, particularly in posting messages, comments, and articles related to subjudice matters.
This concern was highlighted as the court initiated contempt proceedings against Assam MLA Karim Uddin Barbhuiya for his misleading Facebook post regarding a case pending judgment.
A bench comprising Justices Aniruddha Bose (now retired) and Bela Trivedi highlighted the serious repercussions of such actions, stating that the misuse of social media platforms undermines the authority of the courts and interferes with the course of justice.
While acknowledging the right to freedom of speech and expression, the court stressed the need for caution in posting content related to pending legal matters.
The court noted that judges may express reactions during legal arguments, both in favor and against parties involved in proceedings, but warned against actions that could potentially undermine the integrity of the judiciary.
“However, that does not give any right or leeway to either of the parties or their lawyers to the proceedings to post comments or messages on social media distorting the facts or not disclosing correct facts of the proceedings.
“The matter is required to be taken up more seriously when any such attempt is sought to be made by the party to the proceedings,” the bench said while issuing contempt notice to the MLA and directing the presence of the MLA from All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) in the court.
The apex court listed the matter next after four weeks and asked the registry to place the matter before the CJI for appropriate orders on the administrative side for listing the case before the appropriate bench.
The SC initiated contempt proceedings against Barbhuiya for his Facebook post on March 20 in which he had falsely claimed a favourable ruling from the court in an election petition while the court had on that day only reserved its judgment in the matter.
Later on April 8, the apex court allowed Barbhuiya’s plea and quashed the election petition filed against him.
With inputs from PTI
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SC warns of social media misuse, initiates contempt action against Assam MLA
