Madras HC warns litigant of jail unless unconditional apology tendered for derogatory remarks against judges
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The Madras High Court has held T. Ashok Surana guilty of criminal contempt for repeated scandalous allegations, including claims of "genocide" and "crimes against humanity" by the court, granting a final chance to apologize via affidavit or face one-month imprisonment.
A bench of Justices P. Velmurugan and M. Jothiraman, hearing the 2020 suo motu contempt case stemming from a dismissed 2019 writ petition, noted Surana's pattern of forcing over 20 judges to recuse through similar tactics.
Earlier benches—Justices P.N. Prakash and R.N. Manjula (2021), then M.S. Ramesh and V. Lakshminarayanan (July 2025)—framed charges after documenting his 2017 outbursts and reiterated claims during hearings. Surana showed no remorse in replies, justifying statements and demanding judicial apologies.
The court observed his ongoing derogatory tone scandalizes the institution, interferes with proceedings, and lacks regret despite opportunities. The apology must express genuine remorse and pledge no future allegations, filed before the next March hearing.
