The Madras High Court, during a contempt hearing linked to remarks about G-Square Realtors, has widened the scope of proceedings by taking suo motu action against an interview host. The court found that statements made during a public interview may have violated its earlier order.
Background of the Case
The case arises from Contempt Petition No. 659 of 2024, filed by G.Square Realtors Private Limited against Shankar, also known as Savukku Shankar. The petitioner alleged willful disobedience of a prior court order dated June 26, 2023, passed in a related civil application.
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That earlier order required the respondent to follow a specific procedure before making any statements about the company-namely, issuing notice to the applicant and waiting for a response before speaking publicly.
During the hearing on March 27, 2026, the petitioner relied on a transcript of an interview involving the respondent. In that interview, the respondent appeared to suggest that he might need to wait 72 hours before responding to questions about G-Square.
The court examined this interpretation closely. It noted that the earlier direction did not impose a blanket waiting period for answering questions, but instead required prior notice to the concerned party before making statements.
The judge observed that such an interpretation could distort the intent of the court’s order.
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Justice K. Kumaresh Babu expressed concern over how the court’s directive was being understood and communicated publicly.
“The understanding of the contemnor… is in direct violation of the order passed,” the court noted, pointing out that the requirement was limited to issuing notice and awaiting a response not delaying answers arbitrarily.
Importantly, the court also took note of the role played by the interview host, who had participated in the discussion and commented on the interpretation of the court’s order.
After reviewing the transcript, the court concluded that the host may also have contributed to the alleged contempt by endorsing or engaging with the incorrect interpretation.
As a result, the court suo motu impleaded the host, Felix Gerald, as a respondent in the contempt proceedings.
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“The Court is of the view that the host has also committed contempt of the orders,” the order stated.
The High Court has now issued notice to the newly added respondent, asking him to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on April 24, 2026. The court has also permitted private notice to be served.
Case Details
Case Title: G.Square Realtors Pvt. Ltd. vs Shankar @ Savukku Shankar
Case Number: Cont.P. No. 659 of 2024
Judge: Justice K. Kumaresh Babu
Decision Date: 27 March 2026
Counsels:
- For Petitioner: Mr. K. Surendar
- For Respondent: Mr. C. Vigneswaran
