Karnataka HC hands 4-month sentence to ex-Institute of Astrophysics employee who made ‘scurrilous statements’ against judges and others

Dhananjay raised various allegations such as case fixing against judges of the high court, members of the Central Administrative Tribunal, police, and others, following his dismissal from the institute. He had also alleged a criminal conspiracy against him.

The bench further said, “He has attempted to justify his actions and has proceeded to make scandalous and unfounded statements against the judicial institution as a whole. His conduct can only be termed as deliberate and adamant and reveals complete apathy towards social, moral, and judicial codes of conduct. We are of the clear opinion that if conduct of this nature is not punished, sociopaths like the accused are likely to repeat such offences with impunity…”

The bench also imposed a Rs 2,000 fine on him.

Dhananjay had been facing criminal contempt proceedings initiated with consent granted by the advocate-general in 2023. He had filed a memorandum of objections in the case.