A video of actor Swara Bhaskar criticizing the Indian judicial system for delays in verdicts on prisoners has gone viral. She spoke at the “Curtailed Freedoms: A Travesty of Justice” event in New Delhi, where she questioned Chief Justice DY Chandrachud’s priorities.
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NEW DELHI: At a recent event in Delhi, actress Swara Bhaskar fiercely criticized the Indian judiciary for its prolonged delay in granting bail to Umar Khalid and other accused individuals in the 2020 Delhi riots case. In her impassioned speech, Bhaskar highlighted what she sees as a stark religious bias in the legal system.
“These individuals were easy targets because they were Muslims, while I avoided imprisonment because I am Hindu.”
– she stated.
Bhaskar, visibly angered, expressed her frustration at the lack of urgency shown by the judiciary. She pointed out the seeming contradiction in the behavior of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, stating-
“The judges don’t have time to hear Umar’s bail plea, yet CJI DY Chandrachud has time to perform Ganesh Puja with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.”
Bhaskar then added with a somber tone-
“That’s why I survived.”
Four Years Without a Bail Hearing
Swara Bhaskar went on to criticize the prolonged imprisonment of Umar Khalid and other accused in the Delhi riots, noting that they have been in jail for four years without even a bail hearing. She reflected on her involvement in protests but emphasized her privileged position as a Hindu.
“I was among those who protested during the agitation and raised my voice, but I am not in jail because I was born into a Hindu family. They must have believed it would be sufficient to imprison me, but it wasn’t convenient for the authorities.”
Drawing attention to the discriminatory treatment, Bhaskar added-
“You can label a Muslim as a terrorist, but they likely thought it would be excessive to label the daughter of a Hindu former Navy officer as one.”
Judges Must Be Held Accountable
Taking direct aim at the judiciary, Swara criticized a judge who recused himself from hearing the bail plea of the accused. She questioned the judge’s motivations, stating-
“What is he afraid of? Why are you not capable? You must be well-educated and receive a salary funded by our taxes. How can you shirk your responsibilities? By doing this, are you not deceiving the people of Bharat?”
Her call for justice was straightforward:
“I urge lawmakers to fulfill their responsibilities. Justice cannot be served through words alone; action is required. We are not asking for much—just that you do your job.”
The Delhi riots of February 2020 were sparked by protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) of 2019, resulting in the deaths of 53 people. Umar Khalid, along with others like Sharjeel Imam, has been in jail since then under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The prosecution has alleged that Khalid and others conspired to incite violence during the protests, which ultimately led to the riots.
“Many Muslim youths, including Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, have been in jail for the last four years over the Delhi riot cases. I also protested, yet I haven’t been arrested. Why? Is it simply because I am a Hindu?”
-she added.
Questioning the Chief Justice’s Priorities
Swara Bhaskar also took a direct jab at the Chief Justice of India, highlighting what she sees as misplaced priorities.
Referring to the CJI’s attendance at a religious ceremony, she questioned-
“CJI has time for Ganesh Puja with Modi but no time to hear their cases.”
Bhaskar didn’t shy away from questioning the motives of the judges, directly addressing the judiciary with piercing questions:
“What is scaring you at this old age? What is the greed you have? Why do you want to get Governor’s post, Rajya Sabha post?”
Her remarks, which have since gone viral on social media, have ignited a conversation on the role of the judiciary in ensuring timely justice for all citizens, regardless of their religion.
Comedian Kunal Kamra, who also spoke at the event, echoed Bhaskar’s sentiments, pointing to his own privilege as a Hindu.
“I am here speaking to you because I am a Hindu. If I were Muslim, I would likely be in the same situation as Umar Khalid and others.”
Kamra went on to criticize the state of law enforcement in India, drawing comparisons to the United States.
Recalling instances from his own life, he noted-
“If I am scheduled to perform in Gujarat and someone on Facebook (which is influenced by the Bharatiya Janata Party) threatens to burn the auditorium, I receive a call from the auditorium staff advising me not to come, and another call from the police telling me not to perform. Yet, ironically, no one questions the person who posted the inflammatory message on social media. Where is the policing?”
He further elaborated on the differences in handling such situations abroad.
“If the same situation occurred in America or other countries, the person posting the threat would be questioned by the police and, in some cases, taken into custody. That is what policing looks like.”
-Kamra explained.
He concluded his speech with a sharp remark-
“A country is defined by its policing, not just its police.”