Calcutta High Court Directs West Bengal Police to Frame SOP on Social Media Posts Targeting Judiciary

May 23, 2026 : The Calcutta High Court has directed the West Bengal Police to formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for dealing with social media content targeting judges and the institution of the judiciary.

The direction was issued by Justice Jay Sengupta while hearing proceedings connected to a petition filed by Hindu monk Swami Pradiptananda, popularly known as Kartik Maharaj, who has sought quashing of a rape case registered against him.

During the hearing, the Court expressed concern over the circulation of online videos and social media posts allegedly containing defamatory and scandalous remarks against judges of the High Court. The Bench observed that certain content creators continued to publish speculative and disparaging material relating to judicial proceedings, including on days when the Court had not convened.

Justice Sengupta noted that such content appeared aimed at eroding the dignity and credibility of judicial institutions. Taking note of what the Court described as a growing trend of attacks on the judiciary through digital platforms, the Bench directed the Director General of Police to place before the Court a comprehensive framework outlining the proposed mechanism for addressing online posts targeting judges and judicial functioning.

The proceedings arise from an FIR registered at Nabagram Police Station against Kartik Maharaj. According to the complainant, the monk sexually assaulted her multiple times in 2013 on the pretext of securing employment at an institution run by Bharat Sevashram Sangha. The FIR also includes allegations of forced abortion and criminal intimidation.

The petitioner has denied all allegations and contended before the Court that the criminal proceedings are politically motivated. He also sought in-camera proceedings, citing various social media videos allegedly targeting both him and judges hearing the matter.

The matter is scheduled to be heard further on June 22.