Showing disrespect to the Chief Justice is condemnable; accused must be punished as per law, protestors said.
Bengaluru
Lawyers gathered in front of the Karnataka High Court on Wednesday, strongly condemning the attack on Supreme Court Chief Justice B.R. Gavai. They demanded the immediate arrest of the accused, lawyer Rakesh Kishore, and called for a thorough investigation into what they termed a “deep conspiracy” aimed at undermining the judiciary’s independence.
“This is not just an attack on one person, but on the entire judicial and constitutional system of India,” said one of the protesting lawyers. He urged that a case be filed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe the incident.
Senior advocate S. Balan stated that the attack reflected “a dangerous and deep-rooted caste prejudice.” He added, “This is not about religion. It is hatred against a Dalit who has reached the highest judicial position. If such tendencies go unchecked, people’s faith in justice will crumble.”
Reacting to reports that the accused had justified the assault by claiming Justice Gavai insulted Sanatan Dharma, advocate Dwarkanath said, “That is completely baseless. It is a fabricated excuse used by fundamentalist elements to divide society.”
The protesting lawyers said the incident was part of a systematic effort to discredit constitutional equality and warned that caste and hate politics were threatening democratic institutions.
Advocate Narasimha Murthy demanded that the Prime Minister and the Home Minister publicly assure swift and strict action against the accused. Advocate B.L. Nagaraj added that the NIA should investigate any ideological networks promoting such acts.
A complaint will be filed with city police against hate videos and misinformation targeting the Chief Justice on social media. “The Delhi Police and central agencies must act immediately,” said advocate B.L. Nagaraj.
