Madras HC controversy: Can a judge hear a case against self? What experts say

A row erupted when Justice GR Swaminathan presided over a matter in which criminal contempt proceedings were initiated against advocate S Vanchinathan

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‘Deeply disturbing’

Henri Tiphagne, a veteran human rights defender and senior advocate at the MaduraiBench of the Madras High Court said that the court’s handling of the matter was “deeply disturbing”.

“Justice Swaminathan had, in the past, delivered progressive rulings on protest rights and vulnerable communities. But, this does not insulate a judge from criticism over perceived ideological bias,” Tiphagne said.