Magistrates Will Face Contempt If They Remand People for Social Media Posts Without Following SC Guidelines": Andhra Pradesh High Court Ap High court
In a strong message to the lower judiciary, the Andhra Pradesh High Court has ruled that magistrates who remand individuals for social media posts without properly applying Supreme Court guidelines could face contempt proceedings . This judgment aims to safeguard the constitutional right to free speech , especially in the age of digital expression. What the Court Said The High Court emphasized that liberty cannot be curtailed just because someone expresses an opinion online . It cited the Supreme Court’s guidelines in cases involving free speech and sedition, noting that arrests or judicial remands based merely on social media posts, without due consideration, are unlawful . Justice Ravi Nath Tilhari , who presided over the matter, warned judicial officers that any mechanical remand —without analyzing if the offence attracts arrest as per SC’s directions— could amount to judicial misconduct and be treated as contempt of court . the fact of Case This strong sta...