SC bars media from reporting Justice Karnan's orders

The Supreme Court on Tuesday barred the media from publishing and reporting the contents of orders passed by controversial Calcutta High Court judge Justice C S Karnan, who was sentenced to six months in jail for contempt.

A seven-judge constitution bench, headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar also banned the media, both print and electronic, from publishing any statement issued by Justice Karnan.

Taking note of his past purported judicial orders passed even after being stripped of judicial work which were published by electronic and print media, the apex court said, "We are of the view that no further statements made by him (Justice Karnan) shall be published".

Justice Karnan had interacted with the media in press conferences several times while levelling allegations against various judges of the Supreme Court and also passed several 'orders'.

The apex court today held him guilty of contempt of court and sentenced him to jail for six months, while ordering that he be taken into custody forthwith.