PIL in Madras HC for probe into Saurav Das' identity, block of his social media accounts over comments on judiciary

The Madras High Court on Friday issued notice on a petition seeking an investigation into the nationlity and background of journalist and Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) spokesperson Saurav Das, and seeking a block of his social media accounts over remarks he allegedly made against the judiciary [Ganesh Kumar Vs Regional Passport Officer].

The petitioner has sought directions for the cancellation of Das' passport and Aadhaar card if he is found to be a foreign national.

It also seeks directions to block Das' X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram accounts over allegedly derogatory statements against the judiciary and judges of the Supreme Court.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice SA Dharmadikari and Justice G Arul Murugan has sought a response from various respondents, including Das, the Central government and certain private parties. The matter will be listed next after six weeks.

The petitioner, one Ganesh Kumar, has alleged that Das, identified in the petition as 'Yogesh Sharma alias Saurav Das', had made derogatory statements concerning the judiciary, including judges of the Supreme Court.

The petition has also sought directions to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and other official respondents to conduct an investigation into the background and personal details of various persons, including Das' parents.

During the hearing, the petitioner's counsel referred to certain documents annexed to the petition allegedly concerning Das's identity and addresses.

The Bench examined these documents and sought clarification regarding certain particulars recorded in them.

Counsel also drew the Court's attention to the statements allegedly made by Das against the judiciary. The Bench questioned the manner in which such statements had been made. The Court then asked whether the petitioner had approached the authorities with a complaint.

The petitioner's counsel submitted that a representation had already been made, but no action had been taken by the Central government.

The petition referred to a representation dated October 7, 2026, and sought directions to the authorities to act on it within a reasonable period fixed by the Court.

In addition to the investigation, the petitioner requested directions to the Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to block X and Instagram handles operating under the name Saurav Das.

The petitioner also sought to prevent Das from making further allegedly derogatory statements concerning the judiciary and judges of the Supreme Court.

After hearing the preliminary submissions, the Court today issued notice in the matter.

The petitioner was represented by advocate B Jagannath.