New Delhi: The troubles for Karnataka High Court judge Justice Vedavyasachara Sreeshanand have escalated following his recent comments describing a Muslim-majority area of Bengaluru as “Pakistan.” His remarks, made during court proceedings on August 28, quickly went viral on social media, prompting the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognizance of the situation.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud announced that the Supreme Court will establish guidelines concerning the issue. In his remarks, the Chief Justice highlighted the media reports that brought attention to Justice Sreeshanand’s comments, noting the need for a thorough review of the situation.
During a hearing related to the Rent Control Act, Justice Sreeshanand referred to Gori Palya, a predominantly Muslim area, stating that “the law does not apply there” and controversially suggested that the region was akin to Pakistan. His statement, which included references to the number of people in an auto-rickshaw in the area, has raised significant concerns.
In light of the controversy, Chief Justice Chandrachud has requested that Justice Sreeshanand submit a report after consulting with the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, with a deadline set for two days. The Secretary General of the High Court will assist in compiling the report, with the Attorney General and Solicitor General providing support.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for September 25, where it is expected to discuss the guidelines related to this matter further. Justice Sreeshanand has been a judge at the Karnataka High Court since his appointment as an Additional Judge in May 2020, later becoming a permanent judge in September 2021.