The Supreme Court has registered a letter from advocate Vineet Jindal as a writ petition. Jindal seeks contempt of court action against the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) over a controversial social media post targeting Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant.
The post, published on October 12, addressed the CJI directly: “Dear Surya Kant, If law and order is not your domain, resign now. We will find your replacement who can handle it.” It was later deleted.
Lawyer argues for examination under contempt law
Jindal’s letter, addressed to the CJI on October 13 and registered on October 30, argues that the office of the CJI cannot be subject to the approval or displeasure of a political organization. He urged the Supreme Court to examine whether the social media post crossed the limits of permissible political criticism and warranted consideration under the law relating to criminal contempt of court.
The letter also raises concerns about a political demonstration near the Supreme Court on October 12, reportedly involving Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders. Jindal sought an inquiry into whether any restricted area had been entered without authorisation or whether security protocols had been violated.
Kerala Congress apologizes, worker removed
The KPCC has issued an unconditional apology to the CJI. In a response to a legal notice, KPCC President Sunny Joseph stated that the post was published by party worker Vijay Thottathil without the knowledge or consent of the leadership. Thottathil has been removed from his position.
Jindal’s letter requests the preservation of CCTV footage and security records to ensure any inquiry is based on verifiable evidence.
Separate proceedings underway
On October 15, a bench led by CJI Surya Kant issued notices to the Congress party, Rahul Gandhi, and other INDIA bloc leaders regarding the October 12 demonstration. That petition also sought contempt action over the social media post, but the court declined to issue notice on that specific request at the time.
With Jindal’s letter now registered as a separate writ petition, the matter awaits listing before the Supreme Court. The registration of the petition does not, by itself, amount to a judicial finding of contempt.
