Bengaluru: A planned talk on the Uniform Civil Code by the Karnataka State Bar Council has sparked controversy, with a group of lawyers flagging concerns about the event, which is slated to feature Supreme Court lawyer Sai Deepak, a strong supporter of Hindurashtra, as the main speaker.
A group of lawyers from Karnataka, along with the All India Lawyers Association for Justice (AILAJ), have written a letter to the Bar Council expressing their opposition to the event. The talk, scheduled for August 31, 2023, features Supreme Court lawyer Sai Deepak as the main speaker.
The letter, signed by approximately 30 lawyers and the AILAJ, contends that Sai Deepak is known for his strong support of India's transformation into a Hindu Rashtra, a concept seen as conflicting with the country's constitutional democracy. The lawyers argue that Deepak's views undermine the secular foundations of the Indian state.
The letter also accuses Deepak of making Islamophobic statements and attacking Christian communities and institutions, labelling them as "anti-Hindu." His alleged remarks, including a call for non-Hindus to leave India, have drawn significant criticism from the legal community.
The lawyers also highlight an interview in which Deepak reportedly named prominent figures from the Muslim and journalist communities who, the lawyers argue, were targeted based on their identities.
The lawyers further criticize the composition of the event's panel, noting that it lacks diversity with an all-male line-up and no representation from the LGBTQI community.
The controversy has ignited discussions about the responsibility of the Karnataka State Bar Council to uphold constitutional values and promote inclusivity. Critics argue that by inviting a speaker with controversial views, the Bar Council is inadvertently endorsing divisive rhetoric.