Give details of video on CJI Gavai if you want FIR info: Punjab & Haryana High Court to Ajeet Bharti

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has asked YouTuber Ajeet Bharti to submit details of his videos on Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai to the Mohali Police, in order to ascertain whether any First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against him [Ajeet Bharti v. State of Punjab & Others].

Bharti had approached the High Court last month seeking protection against any coercive steps by the Punjab Police. On October 27, the High Court had asked the State whether any FIR has been registered against him.

On November 3, the State told the Court that the police has taken note of several videos containing abusive and derogatory language against CJI Gavai. On Bharti's prayer, the State submitted that it was not feasible to ascertain the person who has been arraigned as an accused in the FIRs registered.

However, it was also submitted that Bharti's petition may be disposed of with a liberty to furnish details of the video uploaded on social media to the Senior Superintendent of Police, SAS Nagar through email, to get details regarding the FIR.

In his order, Justice Subhas Mehla noted that the State has taken cognizance of the videos, but at this point of time, since the investigation was ongoing, it was not possible to ascertain whether Bharti has been been made an accused or not in any case. The judge proceeded to dispose of Bharti's plea with a direction that in case he wants to know about the FIR, he needs to furnish details of his video.

"The present petition is disposed of with the direction that if the petitioner/accused wants to know the details of FIR then he is at liberty to furnish details of the video uploaded by him on social media to the Senior Superintendent of Police, S.A.S. Nagar and get the details regarding the FIR against him," the Court ordered.

CJI Gavai has come under sharp attack, both online and offline, from individuals and groups on the right for his remarks in a case concerning the restoration of a beheaded seven-foot idol of Lord Vishnu in Khajuraho. One advocate Rakesh Kishore even attempted to throw a shoe at him during court proceedings.

Punjab Police is reported to have registered multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) over social media content targeting the CJI.

According to media reports, Bharti and others have been booked for "casteist" and "provocative" remarks against CJI Gavai in the videos uploaded before and after the shoe throwing incident.

In his plea before the Court, the right-wing commentator said that through media reports, he has come to know that criminal cases may have been registered against him under Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. However, he said since he did not have any knowledge about the particulars of these cases, he was unable to seek regular remedies.

On his statements, Bharti claimed to have made a "journalist opinion". He also submitted that he has "highest reverence" for the judiciary.

Advocates Ashish Dixit and Shivam Tiwari appeared for Bharti.

Additional Advocate General  Jastej Singh appeared for the State of Punjab.

[Read Order]