Madras HC issues notice to Centre over plea against CJP spokesperson Saurav Das
The petition seeks cancellation of Das’ passport and Aadhaar card and blocking of his X and Instagram accounts over alleged derogatory remarks against the judiciary
Responding to a petition seeking a probe into the background of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) spokesperson Saurav Das over his alleged derogatory remarks against the judiciary and Supreme Court judges, the Madras High Court on Friday (October 30) issued notice to the Centre and social media platforms.
Seeks cancellation of Das’ passport, Aadhaar
The petitioner Ganesh Kumar of Kanchipuram district sought action against Das, including cancellation of his passport and Aadhaar card. The petition also sought directions to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to block his X and Instagram handles. It further stated that he should be prevented from making further remarks against the judiciary.
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The development took place during the hearing by a bench of Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan. The bench issued notice to the Regional Passport Officer in Chennai, the UIDAI Chairperson, the Union Home Ministry and the Foreign Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Secretaries of the Ministries of Law and Justice, and Electronics and Information Technology, along with grievance officers of X and Instagram, are also respondents.
Alleges authorities took no action
During the hearing, advocate B Jagannath, appearing for the petitioner, told the bench that Das had made derogatory statements against the judiciary. He said the petitioner had approached the authorities with a complaint, but no action followed.
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The bench questioned the manner in which the alleged remarks had been made and asked whether the petitioner had submitted a complaint to the authorities. Jagannath told the court that a representation had already been sent to the Central government.
"The manner in which he speaks about the judiciary, this is not the way to speak. I had given a complaint to the authorities, but no action had been taken. So, I'm filing this petition," Jagannath said as quoted in media reports.
Court seeks response within six weeks
The petition reportedly referred to the representation dated October 7, 2026, and sought a direction to the authorities to act on it within a period fixed by the court.
After issuing the notice which is returnable in six weeks, the court adjourned the hearing.