FIR Filed Against Five Social Media Accounts Over Abusive Posts Targeting CJI Gavai
Cyber Crime Police in Bengaluru take action under IT Act after derogatory remarks were made online against Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud's bench member, Justice Gavai.
Bengaluru – The Bengaluru Cyber Crime Police have registered FIRs against five social media accounts for allegedly posting abusive and threatening remarks against Supreme Court Justice B.R. Gavai, a sitting member of the Chief Justice’s bench. The action was taken under various sections of the Information Technology (IT) Act.
According to officials, the comments were made in reaction to a recent Supreme Court case, and included objectionable content targeting Justice Gavai. The police took suo motu cognizance of the posts, and investigations are underway to identify and trace the individuals behind the accounts.
This comes days after a disturbing incident on October 6, when a lawyer attempted to throw an object at Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud during a Supreme Court session. The act sparked nationwide outrage, with students from Bangalore University organizing protests in support of the judiciary and to condemn the attack.
The incident has been widely condemned as a direct attack on the dignity of the judiciary, drawing strong reactions from across the political and social spectrum.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann labeled the attack as part of a larger “anti-Scheduled Caste campaign” allegedly driven by certain political elements. He warned that such actions threaten the country’s judicial system and social harmony, and praised Justice Gavai’s integrity and dedication.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale also condemned the incident, demanding action under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. He alleged that some upper-caste individuals are uncomfortable with a Dalit judge holding such a high office. Athawale emphasized that Justice Gavai belongs to the Dalit community and has reached his position through merit and hard work.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also reportedly reached out to Chief Justice Chandrachud following the incident and condemned the act, indicating that the government is treating the matter with utmost seriousness.
