Approximately 30 retired judges met under the VHP’s legal cell to discuss temple disputes, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, and religious conversions. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also attended, highlighting its significance.
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NEW DELHI: (On September 8), approximately 30 retired judges from the Supreme Court and various high courts convened for a session organized by the legal cell of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). The meeting focused on key legal and social issues, including disputes concerning the Varanasi and Mathura temples, the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, and concerns over religious conversions. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal was also attended the meeting, making it a significant event in the context of India’s legal and social matters.
The discussions primarily revolved around issues linked to the Hindutva ideology, central to the VHP’s objectives. Key topics included the legal disputes over the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi and the Shahi Idgah in Mathura, both currently subject to court cases. These conflicts are viewed as crucial to the VHP’s broader goal of reclaiming temple lands they assert were encroached upon.
One of the primary participants in the meeting, VHP president Alok Kumar, outlined the purpose of the gathering.
He explained-
“We invited retired Supreme Court and high court judges to discuss key societal issues, including the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, the return of temples, the transfer of government-controlled temples to societal management, and conversions. The goal was to facilitate an open exchange of views between the judges and the VHP to foster mutual understanding.”
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal also took part in the meeting, underscoring the significance of the legal issues at hand. Following the event, Meghwal shared photos on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the presence of senior VHP leaders such as Alok Kumar and Surendra Jain, the joint general secretary of the VHP, alongside the former judges.
Meghwal elaborated on the discussions, stating-
“There was an in-depth discussion on judicial reforms intended to advance India, with participation from retired judges, jurists, senior lawyers, and intellectuals.”
This meeting marks the first of its kind organized by the VHP, focusing on aligning the perspectives of the judiciary with those of the organization. According to a senior VHP leader, this initiative is part of a larger strategy to further their legal agendas.
He mentioned-
“This is the first time we’ve organized such an event, and we plan to make it a regular occurrence. This exchange of ideas will help the legal community understand our views and aid us in developing legal strategies to advance our agendas. We are focused on pursuing our goals through legal means.”
This indicates that the VHP aims to establish a consistent dialogue with the legal community to shape future legal frameworks surrounding temple control, religious conversions, and other contentious issues.
The participation of prominent retired judges, including Justice Hemant Gupta, has drawn attention. Justice Gupta, a former Supreme Court judge, is known for delivering the Karnataka High Court’s verdict in the controversial Hijab ban case, which upheld the state’s decision to prohibit the wearing of hijabs in educational institutions. His presence at the meeting, alongside other former judges, is significant given the legal issues being discussed.
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Justice Gupta emphasized his participation as a citizen, stating-
“I attended this event as an Indian citizen. While I can’t speak for other retired judges, I believe I have the right to engage with platforms and forums to discuss and deliberate on current issues, just like any other citizen.”
Justice Gupta, who retired in October 2022, is known for making several noteworthy statements during his time on the bench, including remarks such as, “Sikhism is ingrained in India, can’t compare with Islamic practices,” and “They come from backward areas, take money, eat money.” His perspective on the country’s legal framework is particularly aligned with the Hindutva ideology, as reflected in his comment, “Secularism was not there in the original Constitution.”
The VHP has long been associated with Hindutva politics, which advocates for the rights of the Hindu majority and often focuses on reclaiming religious sites they believe were taken over by other communities. The inclusion of former judges in discussions about temple disputes and religious conversions provides the organization with a degree of legal backing and strategy formulation.
The legal framework surrounding the Waqf (Amendment) Bill was another critical issue discussed. The Waqf Board, which governs properties associated with Islamic religious purposes, has been a subject of controversy for Hindutva groups. VHP leaders have argued that reforms in this area are necessary to correct historical wrongs and ensure fair administration of temple properties.
