In an unprecedented order, the Supreme Court today directed that Calcutta High Court judge Justice C S Karnan be immediately sent to jail for six months for contempt of court.
A seven-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar said, “We are of unanimous view that Justice C S Karnan committed contempt of court, contempt of judiciary and the process.”
The Bench also comprising Justices Dipak Misra, J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, M B Lokur, P C Ghose and Kurian Joseph said that it is satisfied that Justice Karnan be sentenced for six months in jail. “The sentence shall be executed and he be taken into custody forthwith,” the Bench said.
This is the first time that a high court judge is being sent to jail by the Supreme Court on charges of contempt.
The Bench also banned the media, both print and electronic, from publishing the content of further orders, if passed by Justice Karnan.