NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday objected to a social media post of a cartoonist from Madhya Pradesh, which depicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in an "undignified manner".
The caricature, showing an RSS figure with khaki shorts pulled down and the Prime Minister administering an injection to the exposed figure, was accompanied by a provocative caption referencing "derogatory lines involving Lord Shiva" and the "caste census".
In the course of hearing, a Bench of Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Aravind Kumar termed the conduct of cartoonist Hemant Malviya "inflammatory" and "immature." The Justice Dhulia-led Bench was hearing an anticipatory bail plea of the cartoonist, who was booked by the MP Police for allegedly sharing "indecent" social media posts.
The apex court asked advocate Vrinda Grover, who appeared on Malviya's behalf, to take instructions if he was willing to delete his post. In repose, Grover submitted that the petitioner was willing to take down the controversial post and to make a statement that he was not endorsing the objectionable comments. At this, the Justice Dhulia-led Bench orally remarked, "The comedians, cartoonists, etc., look at their conduct!"
When Grover pressed for interim protection from arrest, the apex court refused to pass any order but listed the matter for hearing on Tuesday. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) KM Natraj, appearing on behalf of the Madhya Pradesh government, said that the controversial post was creating social disharmony and all over the country, such things are happening and triggering the breakdown of law and order. (IANS)
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