Taking a stern stand against the misuse of social media by legal professionals, the Supreme Court of India on Thursday initiated suo motu criminal contempt proceedings against a Delhi-based advocate. The Court has issued a show-cause notice to the lawyer, questioning why his license to practice law should not be revoked following “objectionable” remarks made online.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi took cognizance of a Facebook post authored by Vibhas Kumar Jha, an advocate practicing at the Rohini district courts. The now-deleted post reportedly contained offensive remarks directed at women and members of scheduled castes.
The controversy stems from Jha’s public criticism of a landmark Supreme Court order that granted 33 per cent representation to women advocates in state bar councils and bar associations across the country. In addition to targeting the quota, the post allegedly contained derogatory language against specific communities and the authority of the apex court itself.
During the proceedings on Thursday, Chief Justice Surya Kant addressed the advocate directly, seeking a formal response as to why he should not be restrained from practicing law.
“Why should your bar license not be cancelled and you not be restrained from practicing as a lawyer?” the CJI questioned.
The bench made it clear that it expects full cooperation from the advocate during the contempt process. The Court directed Jha to place his original law degree on record during the next hearing to verify his credentials.
The bench further warned of strict legal consequences should the advocate fail to appear or comply with the court’s directions. “If the advocate does not co-operate, let bailable warrants be issued against him,” the CJI observed.
The matter highlights the Supreme Court’s increasing scrutiny of social media conduct by officers of the court, particularly when such conduct undermines judicial policies aimed at gender parity and social inclusion within the legal fraternity.
