Kerala High Court suspends officials over derogatory skit targeting PM and central schemes

In response to a derogatory skit staged in the High Court auditorium on Republic Day, the Kerala High Court has suspended its Assistant Registrar and Court Keeper from service. The skit, which insulted the Prime Minister and the central government’s pro-people schemes, sparked outrage and prompted action from various organisations.

The suspension follows complaints filed by the Abhibhashaka Parishad, the Kerala chapter of the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad (a Sangh-inspired organisation of lawyers), and the Lawyers’ Cell of the state BJP. Both organisations lodged complaints with the Prime Minister’s Office, Union Home Ministry, Union Law Ministry, Supreme Court, Kerala High Court Chief Justice, and Registrar of the Kerala High Court.

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The derogatory skit took place as part of the Republic Day celebrations organised by the High Court in its auditorium. Despite being organised by the High Court, the skit was performed by staff and lawyers in attendance.

 

The suspension order, issued by the High Court Registrar General, reflects the seriousness with which the court views the incident. It underscores the importance of maintaining decorum and respect within the judiciary, especially during official events.

The skit’s portrayal of the Prime Minister and the central government’s initiatives crossed a line, prompting widespread condemnation and demands for accountability. The suspension serves as a swift response to address concerns raised by various stakeholders and restore confidence in the integrity of the judiciary.

The High Court’s action sends a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated and that those responsible will face consequences for their actions. It also highlights the importance of upholding the dignity of public figures and respecting the institutions they represent.

Moving forward, the High Court is likely to review its protocols for organising events and ensure stricter oversight to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Additionally, it may implement training programmes to promote greater sensitivity and professionalism among staff and participants involved in court-sponsored activities.

The skit, featuring an actor in the attire of the Prime Minister, included highly derogatory dialogues insulting the PM and the central government’s welfare schemes.

The Abhibhashaka Parishad, representing the Kerala chapter of the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad, filed a complaint demanding stringent actions against those responsible for the skit’s derogatory language. The Parishad insists on holding accountable both the scriptwriters and those who approved the content. They express strong opposition to the idea of scapegoats being sacrificed to protect others.

The Parishad emphasises the mandatory requirement of prior approval for scripts used in programmes associated with the High Court’s official events. While expressing protest against the alleged attempt to blame only some staff members, the Parishad points out that the script was approved by others who are equally guilty. The skit reportedly took place after the departure of the Honourable Chief Justice, raising questions about the knowledge and involvement of those present.

The Parishad highlights that a committee, comprising senior judges, is responsible for approving scripts before they are staged. In this instance, only some staff members are accused, leaving those who approved the script untouched. The Parishad deems this unfair and asserts that all individuals involved in the misuse of High Court programmes to insult the PM and the Union Government share equal guilt.

Demanding stringent actions against all participants, the Parishad calls for an unbiased inquiry to determine if the programme committee failed in its duties. They stress that individuals from the programme committee should not be part of the inquiry commission to maintain impartiality. The Parishad underscores the importance of holding all guilty parties accountable to ensure justice and prevent such incidents in the future.

In the aftermath of a derogatory skit staged in the Kerala High Court auditorium, there are reports that some high court judges were present in the audience during the programme, raising concerns about judicial decorum. Registrar General P. Krishnakumar, in the public interest, has suspended T.A. Sudhish, Assistant Registrar Hr. Gr., and P.M. Sudheesh, Court Keeper (Higher Grade), pending inquiry and disciplinary action based on complaints filed by Sangh-inspired organisations.

The order, citing a directive from the Honourable Chief Justice, indicates that the suspension is effective immediately. Both individuals are instructed to return government properties, including ID cards, issued to them. The Honourable Chief Justice has further directed a detailed inquiry into the incident by Registrar (Vigilance) and a prompt submission of the report. Registrar (Administration) has been directed to provide a detailed explanation regarding the circumstances leading to the skit.

The derogatory skit, which insulted the Prime Minister and the central government’s welfare schemes, has prompted swift action by the High Court. The suspension aims to address concerns raised by Sangh-inspired organisations, reflecting the seriousness with which the judiciary views the incident.

The presence of high court judges in the audience adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Critics argue that the judges’ attendance raises questions about the maintenance of decorum and respect within the judiciary. It remains to be seen how this aspect will be addressed during the course of the inquiry.

Left and Jihadi forces have faced accusations of insulting the Prime Minister, RSS, and union government programmes in public domains for several years. The lack of legal consequences for such actions has emboldened these groups to continue their provocative activities. Nationalists express hope that proper handling of the culprits in this particular case will serve as a strong warning to those waiting to engage in similar actions.

The suspension of the Assistant Registrar and Court Keeper underscores the High Court’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the judiciary and maintaining a high standard of conduct among its staff. The inquiry is expected to shed light on the circumstances leading to the derogatory skit, addressing the concerns of Sangh-inspired organizations and the wider public.

As the controversy unfolds, stakeholders emphasise the importance of a thorough investigation to identify all responsible parties and ensure appropriate consequences.