The Supreme Court of India recently expressed its disapproval over controversial remarks made by Karnataka High Court Judge Justice V Srishananda, who referred to a Muslim-majority locality in Bengaluru as “Pakistan.” The remarks, made during a hearing on a landlord-tenant dispute, sparked widespread outrage, with many criticizing the language used by the judge, particularly in the context of communal sensitivities.
The incident occurred when Justice Srishananda compared the Gori Palya locality to Pakistan, drawing attention to what he described as law enforcement challenges in the area. This statement was part of a broader discussion on traffic discipline and law enforcement in certain parts of the city. The judge’s comments quickly went viral, amplifying public anger and criticism on social media platforms. Senior advocates and legal professionals, including Indira Jaising, called for judicial accountability, with demands for gender sensitization training for the judge due to additional misogynistic remarks made during the hearing.
In response, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, has sought an explanation from the Karnataka High Court. The Court emphasized the need for judges to exercise caution in their remarks, especially in an era where social media actively monitors courtroom proceedings. The bench underscored that judicial decorum must be maintained to preserve the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.
The issue has raised concerns about the appropriateness of language used in judicial settings, particularly when it pertains to sensitive topics like communal relations. Legal experts and public figures have urged for clearer guidelines to ensure that judicial remarks do not further inflame social divisions or perpetuate stereotypes(India Today)
