Mumbai: The Bombay High Court on Friday issued a show cause notice to Vineeta Srinandan, the Cultural Director of Seawoods Estate Society in Navi Mumbai, over alleged contemptuous communications questioning the judiciary’s authority.

The court directed her to explain why she should not face criminal contempt proceedings for her remarks, which included statements that the judicial system was crushing democracy.

A bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Advait Sethna expressed serious concern over the tone of the communications sent by the society representatives, particularly by Srinandan. The court questioned whether Srinandan acted individually or if the Board of Directors (BoD) collectively endorsed the statements.

During the hearing, the judges said they were “very disturbed” by the statements and warned of criminal contempt action against the board members if it was found to be a collective effort.

The bench questioned Srinandan, who was present in the court, on who guided be to issue such communications. “Who has guided you to say these things? Particularly when you question the jurisdiction of this court? You are saying — Democracy is being crushed by the judicial system?,” the bench said.

It remarked: “In such a minor dispute, which could have been resolved mutually, you are questioning the judiciary itself? We will not tolerate such reckless allegations tarnishing the dignity of the court.”

The court had earlier taken note of the society’s alleged harassment of resident Leela Verma over feeding stray dogs and restrictions on domestic workers entering the premises. The judges emphasized that society members cannot impose conditions that override a High Court order.

Srinandan’s lawyer told the court that she was “sorry from the bottom of her heart”, but the court found her apology insincere. “We don’t believe this is a heartfelt apology. She seems very knowledgeable, yet she writes with impunity. This kind of misconduct cannot be ignored,” the bench observed.

The court has now directed Srinandan to file a reply explaining why she should not face contempt charges. The court has also asked the society’s Board of Directors to clarify their role in issuing the controversial communications.

Moreover, the court has asked Srinandan not to leave the jurisdiction of the High Court until further orders. However, on Srinandan’s request, the HC has allowed her to travel to Kerala this week to attend to her parents for mewidx treatment.

A copy of the order has to be sent to the Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner, the bench said. The matter will be heard again in two weeks, during which the court will decide whether to extend contempt proceedings to other office bearers of the society.