Kerala High Court Initiates Contempt Proceedings Against Film Director Baiju Kottarakkara Over Remarks Against Trial Court Judge

The Kerala High Court has initiated suo motu contempt proceedings against the Malayalam film director Baiju Kottarakkara for making abusive remarks during a news channel discussion on May 9 against a trial court judge, who is hearing the 2017 actor abduction and assault case. 

In the Draft Charges sent through Registrar General to the 56-year-old director, the High Court said his remarks "intended to characterize the judge who conducts the trial and scandalize the judiciary as well."

Alleging that the film director had questioned the judge's character and ability during the news channel interview, the court observed that the same has caused prejudice to the trial proceedings and also affects the independence of the judiciary. 

"Your comments tend to scandalize and lower the authority of the Court. You have thereby committed criminal contempt of Court as defined under Section 2(c) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, which is punishable under Section 12 thereof," read the Draft Charges.

The matter was taken up before a Division Bench of Kerala High Court on 30th September, however since the alleged contemnor was not present, the matter has been posted for 10th October. 

The Case:

The trial of the 2017 case relating to the sexual assault and abduction of a female actor in the outskirts of Kochi is pending the Sessions Court, Emakulam.

Kottarakkara had appeared in a discussion conducted by 24News channel on May 09, and made disparaging comments against the Principal District and Sessions Judge Honey M. Varghese, before whom the case is pending.

Kottarakara had termed the Judge a liar, and questioned why she had not recused herself from hearing the case, despite numerous allegations levelled against her by the survivor, many advocates, and even a retired judge. 

Case Title: Suo Motu v. Baiju Kottarakkara