Attack on Dalit Chief Justice exposes caste bias, rising Hindutva extremism
Gavai targeted in ‘Sanatan Dharma’ name shows growing intolerance in India
New Delhi: The shocking incident in which a senior lawyer hurled shoes at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai during court proceedings has sparked outrage across India, exposing the deep-rooted caste and communal bias permeating Indian society under the current regime.
According to Kashmir Media Service, legal experts and political observers say the impunity enjoyed by the 71-year-old lawyer, Rakesh Kishore, who was released without a case being registered, reflects the growing threat to the rule of law and equality enshrined in India’s Constitution. Justice Gavai, India’s second Dalit Chief Justice and son of an Ambedkarite leader, has been facing caste-based abuse on social media after remarks in a recent case were misrepresented by extremist groups as “anti-Sanatan Dharma.”
Analysts note that the attack symbolises a broader assault on India’s constitutional ideals by Hindutva elements who reject social equality and resent the rise of individuals from marginalised backgrounds to positions of power.
Despite condemnation from opposition parties, the Modi government and the BJP have refrained from strongly denouncing the assault, fuelling concerns that caste and faith supremacists are being emboldened under state patronage.
Commentators say the incident represents not just an insult to the judiciary but also a direct attack on the spirit of Ambedkar’s Constitution — the very foundation of modern India that guarantees dignity and equality for all citizens.
