G. Square Realtors Case Sees Host Added as Respondent for Facilitating Contemptuous Interpretation
In a significant ruling, the Madras High Court, presided by Justice K. Kumaresh Babu, has addressed a contempt of court issue involving G. Square Realtors Private Limited and Shankar @ Savukku Shankar. The case took an intriguing turn when the court added the host of an interview as a respondent in the contempt proceedings.
The controversy arose when the respondent, Shankar, during an interview, allegedly misinterpreted a previous court order. The court had explicitly directed Shankar to refrain from making statements about G. Square Realtors without giving prior notice and awaiting a response. Shankar, however, interpreted this directive as permitting a 72-hour waiting period before responding to questions about the petitioner, a stance that the court found to be a blatant violation of its order.
The host of the interview compounded the issue by supporting this misinterpretation, suggesting that the court's order could indeed be understood in such a manner. This prompted Justice Babu to order the details of the host, Felix Gerald, to be furnished and subsequently added him as a respondent/contemnor in the contempt proceedings.
Justice Babu emphasized that the court's directive was clear and categorical, and any deviation or misinterpretation constituted contempt. The court has issued a notice to Felix Gerald, asking him to explain why he should not face contempt charges for facilitating the violation of the court's directions. The notice is returnable by April 24, 2026, and private notice has also been permitted to ensure Gerald's response.
This development underscores the judiciary's commitment to upholding its orders and ensuring that they are interpreted and followed accurately. The case will next be heard on April 24, 2026, where further proceedings will determine the consequences for the contemnor and the interview host.
Bottom Line:
Contempt of Court - Violation of court orders by interpreting them contrary to their intent - Host of the interview where the contempt occurred also added as a respondent/contemnor for facilitating the violation of the court's directions.
Statutory provision(s): Contempt of Court Act, 1971
