SC 'contempt notice' to HC judge: Justice Karnan's reply in top court today

The Supreme Court today is set to hear the reply filed by Calcutta High Court Judge Justice C. S. Karnan, regarding the initiation of contempt proceedings by the apex court against him.

This is the first time ever that a sitting High Court judge faces a contempt case.

Last Wednesday in an unprecedented move, the Supreme Court had invoked its powers to initiate contempt proceedings against him, for writing letters casting aspersions on several judges.

Justice Karnan has been accused of circulation of disparaging letters against sitting High Court judges of the Madras High Court, and he has also allegedly written about Supreme Court judges in his letters to the Prime Minister's Office.

Asking Justice Karnan to appear in person on February 13th, a seven-judge constitution bench, headed by CJI Khehar and six other judges directed that Justice Karnan would not discharge any judicial and administrative functions during the pendency of the proceedings.