Karnataka High Court judge, Justice Vedavyasachar Srishananda, sparked outrage after referring to a Bengaluru locality as “Pakistan” during a discussion on the importance of enforcing lane and speed limit discipline on Indian roads. His remark has drawn criticism for being inappropriate and insensitive.
Bangalore: Karnataka High Court judge, Justice V Srishananda, stirred controversy on social media after referring to Gori Palya, a Muslim-majority locality in West Bengaluru, as “Pakistan” during a court hearing.
While discussing a case related to insurance, he said,
“Go to that Mysuru Road flyover. Every auto rickshaw has 10 people. It’s not applicable because from the Mysore flyover to the flower market from Gori Palya is in Pakistan, not India. This is the reality. No matter how strict a police officer you put there, they will be beaten up.”
The comment made during an August 28 hearing related to the Rent Control Act.
The judge also discussed needed amendments to several laws, including the Rent Control Act and the Motor Vehicles Act, mentioning how strict traffic discipline is enforced in “foreign countries.”
During the hearing, an advocate involved in the case remarked that the situation “a disaster waiting to happen.”
Justice Srishananda emphasized the need for lane discipline, suggesting amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act to prioritize this.
He explained,
“In foreign countries, even if you’re driving slowly at 40 km/h, the police will move you to the slow lane. Here, people break the law, go at their own speed, and get away with 304A. What is the point? Go to any private school today, and you’ll see students riding scooters, with no action from the principal or parents. Autorickshaws are overloaded with 13 or 14 students, and even after incidents like the van capsizing, killing three children, no action is taken. Police are inactive, caught up in lobbying.”
He then made the controversial ‘Pakistan’ remark, stating,
“Every two minutes, you’ll see an autorickshaw dropping people like that. This is the problem. No rule applies. It’s the nature of the people there.”
The comments made during a hearing related to the Rent Control Act. Justice Srishananda presiding over a case that involved a lease agreement and the powers of a landowner under Section 27(2)(o) of the Rent Control Act. While the case centered on technical legal issues, the conversation shifted to broader social and infrastructural concerns.
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During the proceedings, the judge discussed the need for stricter traffic regulations, particularly in Bengaluru. He highlighted issues of traffic management, especially in certain localities, and emphasized the importance of lane discipline and adherence to speed limits. The judge argued that amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act should focus on improving traffic rules enforcement.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions in India around issues of communalism, especially when public figures or authorities make divisive remarks. While the judge’s initial point about traffic regulation and public safety may have been valid, the manner in which he framed his concerns sparked unnecessary controversy.
As of now, the Karnataka High Court has not released an official statement regarding the incident, and it remains to be seen if any further action will be taken. The incident, however, raised questions about the judiciary’s responsibility in maintaining impartiality and fostering unity in a diverse society like India.