The legal fraternity in Karnataka is simmering with anger after videos of a Karnataka High Court judge referring to a Muslim-dominated locality in Bengaluru as “Pakistan” and making a misogynistic comment against a woman lawyer have gone viral.
Former Lokayukta and Supreme Court judge N Santosh Hegde called the statements made by Justice Vedavyasachar Srishananda “unbecoming of a judge”.
“Judges should speak only about the subject matter they are hearing. What has been said by this particular judge in these instances is very unbecoming of a judge,” Hegde told News18.
The Supreme Court has taken cognisance of the controversial remarks made by Justice Srishananda and has sought a report from the Karnataka High Court.
In one video, Justice Srishananda, while addressing a landlord-tenant dispute in the Gori Palya area in western Bengaluru, referred to the Muslim-majority locality as “Pakistan”. In another viral video, the judge made an objectionable comment about a woman lawyer, telling her that she seemed to know a lot about the “opposition party” and adding that she might even know “the colour of their undergarments”. These comments have caused a public and professional uproar.
Calling this behaviour inappropriate for someone entrusted with upholding justice, several lawyers and former advocate generals have demanded an apology from the judge. However, many in the legal community have chosen to remain anonymous while making their statements.
A senior lawyer practising in the Karnataka High Court, who has argued cases before this judge, said that his statements have disgraced the legal fraternity.
“We are the ones who uphold the law. If such remarks come from those who deliver justice, how will the public trust the system? The lady holding the balance is blindfolded to symbolise impartiality and fairness. Do his remarks reflect that?” asked the senior lawyer, who requested anonymity.
Another senior lawyer practising in the Karnataka High Court has called for strict action against the judge.
“Parliament must take action and move for his impeachment,” said the senior lawyer.
A five-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justices S Khanna, BR Gavai, S Kant, and H Roy, emphasised the need to establish clear guidelines for constitutional court judges regarding their courtroom remarks. The Supreme Court bench also noted that, with social media actively monitoring and amplifying courtroom proceedings, it is crucial to ensure judicial commentary aligns with the decorum expected from courts of law.
“Attention has been drawn to media reports regarding the comments made by Justice…of the Karnataka High Court during court proceedings. We request the Karnataka High Court to submit a report after seeking instructions from the Chief Justice of the High Court,” said Chief Justice Chandrachud. “We may lay down some basic guidelines,” he added, instructing that the report be filed within two days.
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