‘The government’s silence amounts to an attempt to intimidate and undermine the judiciary for performing its constitutional duties’
NEW DELHI — Members of the Pragatisheel Mahila Sangathan (PMS) Lawyers Unit held a protest march on Monday at the Tis Hazari Court complex, strongly condemning the recent casteist attack on the Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai.
A large number of lawyers joined the demonstration, which began at the Central Hall of the court premises and passed through various blocks before culminating in a meeting on the civil side of the complex. The protesters carried placards and raised slogans such as “Down with casteist attacks on the CJI!” and “Down with the inaction of the Modi government!”
The meeting was addressed by PMS General Secretary Poonam Kaushik, Chander Nigam, and Nitin Gautam. PMS Delhi President Shobha, Vice President Hina, and committee members Kanchan, Geeta, Salma, Kalpana, Mahendra, and Aanchal also participated in the protest.
Addressing the gathering, the speakers strongly criticised the government’s “complete inaction” following what they described as a serious and unprecedented assault on the dignity of the country’s highest judicial office. They expressed concern that, despite the gravity of the incident, no FIR had been registered so far.
“The government’s silence amounts to an attempt to intimidate and undermine the judiciary for performing its constitutional duties,” said Advocate Kaushik. “By refusing to act, the central government is effectively standing with the perpetrators of caste-based violence and discrimination.”
The speakers also accused the ruling dispensation of perpetuating a “manuvadi mindset” over the past eleven years, during which, they said, governments at both the central and state levels have often shielded or rewarded those accused of heinous crimes against women and marginalised communities. “Now, even acts of caste hatred are being brazenly allowed against those holding the highest constitutional positions,” one speaker remarked.
The PMS Lawyers Unit reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to defending constitutional values, protecting judicial independence, and opposing all forms of caste-based hatred and violence. The organisation also called upon “all justice-loving citizens” to unite in condemning the government’s inaction over the casteist attack on the Chief Justice of India.
