Chennai: The Madras High Court has issued notice to the Union government and 11 others on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a probe into the background of Yogesh Sharma, also known as Saurav Das, the National Co-Convenor of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).
The petition, filed by businessman Ganesh Kumar from Kancheepuram district, seeks a direction to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to conduct an immediate and detailed inquiry into Das, his background and his parents.
Kumar alleged that Das had roots in Nepal and said the claim should be investigated. He argued that if the allegation were established, Das could not "lecture about our government and our judiciary".
The petitioner also accused Das of abusing the judiciary and sought the cancellation of his passport and Aadhaar card if he were found guilty of the alleged wrongdoing.
The first bench, comprising Chief Justice S A Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan, heard the PIL on Friday and ordered notice, returnable in six weeks, to the Union government, the Regional Passport Officer and 10 others.
Kumar has also sought a direction to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to block the Twitter and Instagram accounts operating under the name "Saurav Das". He wants Das restrained from making further derogatory statements against the judiciary and judges.
The petition seeks to prevent Das from making what it describes as defamatory, intimidating, abusive, vulgar and disparaging remarks against the judiciary, particularly personal comments about judges of the Supreme Court, high courts and lower courts.
It also seeks to restrain him from making such statements through any media, including social media platforms, either directly or through friends, colleagues, agents or representatives, pending disposal of the case.
Kumar alleged that Das had repeatedly abused the judiciary and described such conduct as an abuse of the Constitution.
The petitioner further claimed that if Das had concealed his alleged Nepalese roots, he may have fraudulently obtained Indian identity documents, including an Aadhaar card, voter ID and passport.
He called for an investigation into how Das obtained these documents and the sources of funding for his activities and remarks against the judiciary.
Kumar said a detailed inquiry into the alleged funding and the individuals or sources providing it was necessary in the interest of the nation.