The Delhi High Court declined Thursday to initiate contempt proceedings on its own motion over social media posts criticizing a Saket district court judge.
The online commentary focused on the magistrate who had stayed a first information report filed against commentator Abhijit Iyer-Mitra, turning the interim relief into a public controversy.
A bench reviewing the matter said it would not act without a structured complaint establishing that specific posts crossed the threshold for scandalizing the judiciary or obstructing justice.
Free-speech advocates noted that suo motu contempt in India carries steep penalties, and that courts have grown more cautious when criticism is diffuse rather than directed at pending proceedings.
Lawyers following the case said the decision leaves room for a private litigant or the judge to seek remedies later, while signaling that viral outrage alone will not automatically trigger punitive action.
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Sources:
https://indialegallive.com/