Madras High Court Issues Notice on Plea Seeking Probe Into Saurav Das

The Madras High Court has issued notice on a public interest litigation seeking a detailed investigation into the background, identity documents, and funding of Yogesh Sharma, also known as Saurav Das, who serves as the national co-convenor of the Cockroach Janata Party. News agency Press Trust of India reported that the petition was filed by Ganesh Kumar, a resident of Kancheepuram district.

Court Proceedings and Respondents

A bench comprising Chief Justice S A Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan heard the matter on a Friday and ordered notice to the Union government, the Regional Passport Officer, and 10 others. The court has made the notice returnable within six weeks.

Allegations and Petitions

According to the report, the petitioner raised allegations concerning identity documents, funding sources, and remarks directed against the judiciary:

• Identity and Documents: The plea claims that Das's lineage can be traced to Nepal and alleges that he fraudulently obtained an Aadhaar card, voter identity card, and passport. It seeks the cancellation of these documents if allegations are proven true.
• Funding Investigation: The petitioner requested an inquiry into the sources of funding and financial accounts associated with Das.
• Social Media and Statements: The petition seeks directions to block specific social media accounts on platforms like Twitter and Instagram and to restrain Das and his associates from making allegedly derogatory or defamatory statements against the judiciary and Supreme Court judges.

Practical Implications and Verification

The case remains at the notice stage, with responses awaited from the Union government, the Regional Passport Officer, and other respondents within the stipulated six-week period. Observers and interested parties can verify official judicial proceedings through the Madras High Court's cause lists and case status portals using relevant case details from the registry.