Viral video sparks outrage with calls for action as social media users question judiciary’s impartiality
Team Clarion
BENGALURU – A judge at the Karnataka High Court, Justice Vedavyasachar Srishananda, is facing widespread criticism after a video surfaced in which he referred to Gori Palya, a Muslim-majority locality in central Bengaluru, as “Pakistan” during a court hearing.
The remark, made while discussing traffic issues near the Mysore Road flyover in the city, has ignited a wave of backlash, with many questioning the judiciary’s role in promoting fairness and inclusivity.
In the video, Justice Srishananda is heard stating: “Go to Mysore Road flyover, every auto rickshaw has 10 people. It is not applicable because the Mysore Road flyover up to the market from Gori Palya is in Pakistan, not in India. This is the reality. No matter how strict a police officer you put there, they will be beaten up there.”
The video quickly went viral, leading to an outpouring of criticism on social media. According to The News Minute, the remark was met with shock, especially from activists and community leaders, as Gori Palya is home to a significant Muslim population. Social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has been flooded with demands for accountability.
One user questioned: “A Judge calls his country’s citizens Pakistani. Is there anything more shameful? Will the Supreme Court take Suo Moto action?” (X/Tanmoy).
Reacting to the outrage, Vartha Bharati reported that Bengaluru-based activist Brinda Adige condemned the statement, saying, “Absolutely unacceptable talk by a judge whose job demands respectable speech. Why is this unfit duty bearer continuing in the Karnataka High Court? He is a government servant, granted powers by our Constitution. Suspend this government worker.”
Similarly, Advocate Sanjoy Ghose criticised the divisive remark, saying, “A judge of an Indian Constitutional Court referring to fellow citizens of a different faith as Pakistani! Astonishing!”
The comments have triggered broader concerns about systemic discrimination against Indian Muslims. According to The Siasat Daily, social media users expressed fears that such statements, especially from high-ranking officials, could further dehumanise the Muslim community. One user remarked, “If people in the judiciary speak like this, it will only encourage common people to dehumanise Indian Muslims even more. This systemic discrimination faced by Indian Muslims is something that the media rarely addresses.”
Many have now questioned the integrity of the judiciary. Justice Srishananda, who has been an additional judge at the Karnataka High Court since May 2020, became a permanent judge in September 2021. Calls for accountability continue to grow as no official action has yet been taken against the judge.
The incident is reminiscent of a similar controversy in May when a Kannada news channel displayed the Indian flag for Hindus and the Pakistani flag for Indian Muslims during a live broadcast. The segment sparked debates about media portrayals of religious communities and further fuelled the discourse around systemic bias against Indian Muslims.
As the controversy around Justice Srishananda’s remarks continues to build, the Karnataka High Court has yet to issue an official response, leaving many awaiting a resolution to the growing concerns over the judiciary’s role in promoting equality and justice.
