How Are High Courts in India Tackling Key Legal and Governance Issues?

On December 10, 2024, the Andhra Pradesh High Court, presided by Justice Harinath N, granted anticipatory bail to filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma. This followed allegations of defamatory statements against Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu during the 2024 election period. The court directed Varma to submit a ₹20,000 personal bond with two sureties and mandated his cooperation with the ongoing investigation.

The case, initiated by a Telugu Desam Party member, accuses Varma of defamation, public mischief, and other offenses under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. Varma’s counsel argued the alleged posts, made during promotions for his film Vyooham, were not defamatory. The court acknowledged the state’s concerns but emphasized procedural safeguards in granting bail.

Delhi High Court: Protection from Arrest for ACPR’s Nadeem Khan

Justice Jasmeet Singh of the Delhi High Court provided interim relief to Nadeem Khan, National Secretary of the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), in a case involving charges of promoting enmity and criminal conspiracy. The court ordered that Khan be given a seven-day advance notice for custodial interrogation and restricted his travel outside Delhi-NCR without prior approval.

The allegations stem from a video linked to an exhibition by APCR, allegedly portraying a specific community as victims. Khan argued the video highlighted minority rights and hate speech concerns without inciting disharmony. Represented by Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, Khan maintained his actions fell under his constitutional right to free speech. The court upheld Khan's liberty while ensuring the investigation's continuation.

Punjab & Haryana High Court: Salaries Attached for Police Incompetence

In a stern decision, Justice Harpreet Singh Brar of the Punjab & Haryana High Court ordered the attachment of salaries for a Station House Officer and a Deputy Superintendent of Police. The officers failed to arrest a proclaimed offender in a case involving sexual assault and criminal intimidation despite repeated court orders and Supreme Court directives.

The court criticized the police for negligence, including their alleged complicity in enabling the accused’s travel abroad. The Deputy Inspector General and Senior Superintendent of Police were summoned to explain these lapses. Justice Brar noted the apparent scapegoating of junior officers and directed concrete actions before the next hearing on December 16, 2024.

Kerala High Court: Denial of VIP Privileges at Sabarimala

The Kerala High Court scrutinized alleged VIP treatment given to actor Dileep during his December 5 visit to the Sabarimala temple. The Kerala police, in a December 8 statement, denied facilitating preferential treatment, attributing the incident to Devaswom Board officials.

Justice Anil K Narendran and Justice Muralee Krishna S warned the Travancore Devaswom Board against obstructing devotees' worship through such practices. Stricter measures were implemented, including CCTV monitoring and enhanced accountability for Devaswom guards. The case remains under review as the court awaits additional reports.

These rulings highlight the judiciary's proactive stance in safeguarding procedural integrity, balancing individual liberties, and ensuring accountability in governance.