The Madras High Court on Friday, 30 October 2026, issued notice on a petition seeking an investigation into the nationality and background of journalist and Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) spokesperson Saurav Das, and directions to block his social media accounts over remarks he allegedly made against the judiciary, as reported in Bar and Bench.
The petition, filed by one Ganesh Kumar in Ganesh Kumar Vs Regional Passport Officer, has sought an inquiry into Das’s nationality and personal background. It has also sought the cancellation of his passport and Aadhaar card if he is found to be a foreign national.
The petitioner has alleged that Das, identified in the petition as “Yogesh Sharma alias Saurav Das”, made derogatory statements against the judiciary, including judges of the Supreme Court.
The plea has sought directions to block Das’s X and Instagram accounts over these alleged remarks. It has also asked the Court to restrain him from making further allegedly derogatory statements against the judiciary and Supreme Court judges.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan issued notice to the respondents, including Das, the Union government and certain private parties. The matter is expected to be listed again after six weeks.
The petition has also sought directions to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and other official authorities to investigate the background and personal details of several individuals, including Das’s parents.
During the hearing, counsel for the petitioner referred to documents annexed to the plea that allegedly contained details about Das’s identity and addresses. The Bench examined the documents and sought clarification on certain particulars recorded in them.
The petitioner’s counsel also drew the Court’s attention to the statements allegedly made by Das against the judiciary. The Bench questioned the manner in which the statements had been made and asked whether the petitioner had approached the concerned authorities with a complaint.
In response, the petitioner’s counsel submitted that a representation had already been submitted to the authorities, but the Central government had taken no action.
The petition referred to a representation dated 7 October 2026 and sought directions to the authorities to act on it within a reasonable timeframe fixed by the Court.
The petitioner has additionally sought directions to the Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to block the X and Instagram accounts operating under the name Saurav Das.
After hearing the preliminary submissions, the Bench issued notice in the matter and sought responses from the respondents. Advocate B Jagannath appeared for the petitioner.
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