Supreme Court finds Justice Karnan guilty of contempt

The Supreme Court today held Calcutta high court judge Justice CS Karnan guilty in the contempt case that the top court had initiated against him.

He has been sentenced to six months in jail. The top court ordered his immediate arrest.

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 sentence shall be executed and he be taken into custody forthwith," the bench added.

The court has also barred electronic and print media from carrying any of Karnan's statements. 

Justice Karnan had on May 4 refused to undergo a mental examination which was ordered by the apex court, telling a team of doctors he is "absolutely normal" and has a "stable mind", according to PTI.

The apex court has taken suo motu cognisance of various letters written by Justice Karnan against judges of the Madras high court and the Supreme Court and restrained him from exercising administrative and judicial power from February 8.

Justice Karnan appeared before the Supreme Court on March 31 in connection with the contempt proceeding, becoming the first high court judge to do so in the history of Indian judiciary.

(WION with inputs from PTI)