Monday, July 5, 2010

Hearing on contempt plea procedure next week

Kochi: A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court, on Monday, adjourned to next week the hearing on a legal question whether a writ petition seeking to initiate contempt-of-court proceedings against M.V. Jayarajan, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader, was maintainable.

The Bench, comprising Chief Justice J. Chelameswar and Justice P.N. Ravindran, adjourned the hearing when the petition filed by C.A. Edison, chairman, All-Kerala Niyama Sahaya Vedi (legal aid forum), Thrissur, came up for hearing.

The High Court Registry had pointed out that a petition seeking contempt-of-court action could be moved only with the consent of the Advocate-General.

In the present case, the consent had not been obtained. The Registry indicated that in view of an earlier decision by the High Court, suo motu action for initiation of contempt proceedings could be taken only after the Full Court considered the matter.

The petition said the remarks made by Mr. Jayarajan against a court order banning roadside public meetings amounted to contempt of court. He had used language which scandalised the judiciary and lowered its image and reputation. The petition sought a directive to the police to carry out an investigation and to register criminal cases against him.

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