Gujarat HC penalizes smoking in virtual court, SC moved against Raj Thackeray for hate speech, and Rahul Gandhi gets nod to present historical evidence in defamation case.
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (08 APRIL 2025)
GUJARAT HIGH COURT FINES MAN ₹50K FOR SMOKING DURING VIRTUAL COURT HEARING
Case Name: Suo Motu Contempt Proceedings vs. Vishwabhai Jayantilalbhai Varsani
The Gujarat High Court fined a litigant ₹50,000 for smoking during a virtual hearing. The act, deemed as contempt, undermined court dignity. Though the initial fine proposed was ₹2 lakh, the amount was reduced after the contemnor admitted guilt and apologized, citing a personality disorder and alcohol use issues.
Legal Provision
- Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 – Criminal contempt
- Gujarat High Court (Live Streaming of Court Proceedings) Rules, 2021 – Rule 5(j): Online decorum
- Article 215 – Powers of High Court to punish for contempt
- Suo motu powers of judiciary for upholding court dignity
Source: Gujarat High Court
PLEA IN SC SEEKS ACTION AGAINST RAJ THACKERAY, DERECOGNITION OF MNS FOR VIOLENCE AGAINST HINDI SPEAKERS
Case Name: Sunil Shukla vs. Union of India & Ors.
A Supreme Court plea seeks action against MNS chief Raj Thackeray for alleged hate speech targeting Hindi speakers. Filed by Sunil Shukla, the petition cites post-speech violence in Mumbai and urges the Election Commission to derecognize MNS. The petitioner also requests FIRs, protection, and an impartial probe into the incidents.
Legal Provision
- Sections 153A & 295A of IPC – Promoting enmity, deliberate acts to outrage religious or linguistic sentiments
- Representation of the People Act, 1951 – Grounds for party de-recognition
- Article 21 – Protection of life and personal liberty
- Article 19(1)(a) vs. reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2) – Free speech vs. hate speech
- Supreme Court Guidelines on Hate Speech (Pravasi Bhalai Sangathan vs. Union of India)
Source: Supreme Court of India
SAVARKAR DEFAMATION CASE: PUNE COURT ALLOWS RAHUL GANDHI TO PRESENT HISTORICAL EVIDENCE
Case Name: Satyaki Savarkar vs. Rahul Gandhi
A Pune MP/MLA court allowed Rahul Gandhi’s plea to convert the Savarkar defamation case into a summons trial, enabling him to present historical evidence. The Court noted Gandhi’s defense relies on complex facts of history, warranting detailed evidence and cross-examination, which summary trials do not permit.
Legal Provision
- Section 500 IPC – Criminal defamation
- Section 357 CrPC – Compensation to victim
- Section 260(2) CrPC – Conversion from summary to summons trial
- Section 2(w) & 2(x) CrPC – Classification of summons and warrant cases
- Right to fair trial under Article 21 of the Constitution
Source: Pune Court
Also Read: DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (07 APRIL 2025)
