The event was attended by about 30 retired judges of the Supreme Court and various high courts
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra on Thursday criticised former Supreme Court and high court judges for attending a recent Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) meeting here, questioning the propriety of retired judges attending such an event. Of course MiLords- you have the liberty to attend anything! Take up post-retirement sinecures, become nominated members of RS- Who can stop the Gods from doing anything? Who are we- mere mortals- to question you? she posted on social media
Among the retired judges who attended the event is Hemant Gupta, known for upholding the Karnataka hijab ban. He was among about 30 retired judges of the Supreme Court and various high courts attending the event.
The “Judges Meet,” organised by the VHP’s Legal Cell, delved into contentious topics including the Gyanvapi Masjid in Varanasi, the Mathura Shahi Eidgah Masjid, the Waqf Amendment Bill, and religious conversions. Discussions reportedly focused on strategies to bolster the Hindu stance in these sensitive matters.
Justice Gupta defended his attendance at the event, stating, “As an Indian citizen, I am open to any platform to discuss and deliberate on current issues and topics. I have the freedom to be part of any platform and engage in discussions, just like any other citizen of the country.”
Justice Gupta, who retired in October 2022, was previously at the centre of controversy for his remarks during his tenure. He faced criticism for his comments on Sikhism and secularism and his role in upholding the hijab ban, which was met with significant backlash from human rights groups, legal experts, and Muslim leaders.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also attended the VHP event. He praised the programme on the VHP’s social media platform X, stating, “There was a detailed discussion on judicial reforms aimed at making India a developed country.” He noted that the event included “retired judges, experts, senior lawyers, and intellectuals.”
