Karnataka HC judge terms Muslim locality ‘Pakistan’; SC raps judge

During an August 28 hearing in a landlord-tenant case, Justice V Srishananda of the Karnataka High Court stirred controversy by making remarks that appeared to reflect a bias against the Muslim community.

Referring to a Muslim-majority area near Bengaluru’s Mysore Road Flyover as “Pakistan,” his comments have sparked outrage and debate over perceived prejudice within the judiciary, The Indian Express reported.

A video of the remarks has circulated widely on social media, adding concerns about communal bias in the country.

That led to the Supreme Court taking suo motu cognisance of the matter on Friday. A five-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justices S Khanna, B R Gavai, S Kant, and H Roy, expressed the need for establishing clear guidelines for constitutional court judges regarding their remarks in court.

The Supreme Court bench said that when social media plays an active role in monitoring and amplifying courtroom proceedings, there is an urgency to ensure judicial commentary aligns with the decorum expected from courts of law, according to NDTV.

"Our attention has been drawn to some comments made by Karnataka High Court judge Justice V Srishananda during the conduct of judicial proceedings. We have asked the AG and SG to assist us. We ask the registrar general of the High Court to submit a report to this court after seeking administrative directions from the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court. This exercise may be carried out in 2 days," the top court directed.

"We may lay down some basic guidelines," the bench, which also comprised Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, Surya Kant and Hrishikesh Roy, said.

The case, initially focused on legal provisions of the Rent Control Act, soon expanded to unrelated issues such as traffic violations and law enforcement inefficacy. Justice Srishananda criticised the police for failing to act on overcrowded autorickshaws and the use of scooters carrying more passengers than permitted, particularly in private school transport. Despite previous accidents involving children, he noted, no action had been taken.

It was in this context that the judge made the contentious reference to the Muslim-majority area, implying it was akin to being outside India. The statement, although framed within a broader discussion about lawlessness, carried undertones that many interpreted as reflective of deep-seated bias against the Muslim community. His remarks have drawn sharp criticism, with questions raised about the neutrality expected from the judiciary.

The episode has reignited conversations about communal bias and discrimination in India, with critics pointing to this incident as yet another instance of marginalisation of minority communities.

The judge was also seen in another viral video, reprimanding a woman lawyer on Thursday and reportedly made some objectionable comments.

Senior advocate Indira Jaising took to 'X' to urge the CJI to take suo motu judicial note of the comments.