A Punjab government spokesperson announced that the Punjab Police have filed multiple first-information reports (FIRs) in response to allegedly casteist social media posts targeting Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Wednesday. This development follows an incident two days earlier, on Monday, when 71-year-old Delhi lawyer Rakesh Kishore attempted to attack the CJI by throwing a shoe in the Supreme Court.
No action has been taken against Kishore, as Chief Justice Gavai chose not to press charges. However, an activist has sought the Attorney General’s mandatory permission to initiate contempt-of-court proceedings against him.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Punjab’s ruling party led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has strongly condemned the ongoing abuse directed at the CJI on social media. Party chief Arvind Kejriwal has publicly criticised those responsible for the offensive content.
A press note issued by the state government stated, “Cracking down hard on unlawful and objectionable social media content targeting the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, the Punjab Police today registered several FIRs after receipt of numerous complaints in various districts of the state on over a hundred social media handles.” The exact number of posts and FIRs has not yet been disclosed.
The government described the posts as a “direct attempt to disturb peace and public order by unjustly exploiting caste and communal sentiments”, noting that they contained “casteist and hate-filled expressions intended to promote communal disharmony, disturb public order and erode respect for judicial institutions.”
Also Read: Attacker of CJ Gavai, Advocate Rakesh Kishore, suspended
The FIRs have been registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act of 1989 and relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at various police stations across Punjab, following information that disclosed cognisable offences.
The Punjab Police have stated that investigations are ongoing. A senior official revealed that the Cyber Cell wing has been directed to coordinate with social media platforms to promptly remove the offending content. The police are actively working to address the issue and ensure compliance with legal measures to curb the spread of such content.
Also Read: Won’t affect me: CJI Gavai after shoe hurled during SC hearing
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