Kochi: The Kerala Judicial Officers’ Association has submitted a memorandum to the Kerala High Court seeking action against what it described as the public scandalisation of Judge Honey Varghese, who delivered the verdict in the 2017 actress assault case, in which the accused actor was acquitted.

The association said there was an unfortunate and growing trend of personal attacks on judges following the pronouncement of judgments, adding that the recent attacks had crossed all limits. It alleged that photographs uploaded on official platforms were being misused on social media to tarnish the image of judicial officers, in what it termed a calculated attempt to defame the judiciary and erode public confidence in the justice system.

Stating that judges can act only on the basis of evidence placed before the court and not on media narratives, the association said judicial officers have no forum to respond to such criticism as they speak only through their judgments. The publication of disparaging statements, it said, amounted to criminal contempt as it interfered with the due course of justice and the proper administration of law.

The memorandum included links to social media posts by lawyers and film industry personalities, as well as YouTube videos and news reports that allegedly carried defamatory content against the judge. It also alleged that photographs of the judge were published in violation of the law and referred to a lawyer who allegedly shared an anonymous letter on Facebook claiming that the judgment had been leaked.

The association urged the High Court to take steps to protect the dignity of the judiciary, initiate contempt proceedings against those responsible, direct the removal of malicious and derogatory content, and restrain social media platforms from hosting such material.

In the actress assault case, the Ernakulam District and Principal Sessions Court acquitted four accused, including actor Dileep, while sentencing six others to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment.