SC Takes Suo Motu On Karnataka HC Judge's "Pakistan" Remark On Bengaluru Area

The Supreme Court on Friday took suo motu cognisance of media reports concerning comments made by a Karnataka High Court judge, Justice V Srishananda, who equated a Bengaluru locality with Pakistan during a judicial proceeding.

A five-judge bench of the Supreme Court has ordered the Karnataka High Court to submit a report on this matter and has called for assistance from the Attorney General and Solicitor General. The apex court has scheduled the next hearing for September 25.

The comments by Justice Srishananda were made on August 28 during a discussion about insurance-related issues. The remarks primarily addressed a lease agreement and the powers of a landowner under Section 27 (2)(o) of the Rent Control Act.

In a viral video quoted by Bar and Bench, Justice Srishananda remarked, "Go to that Mysuru Road flyover. Every auto rickshaw has got 10 people. It is not applicable because the Mysore flyover right up to the flower market from Gori Palya is in Pakistan, not in India. This is the reality. No matter how strict a police officer you put there, they will be beaten up there," referring to the predominantly Muslim locality of Gori Palya in West Bengaluru.

Justice Srishananda noted discrepancies in traffic discipline between India and foreign countries, specifically addressing the enforcement of lane discipline and speed limits. "Heavy vehicles with large loads must remain in their designated lanes. But here, you see heavily loaded KSRTC and private buses sharing the same lane," he pointed out, suggesting that the Motor Vehicles Act should be amended to better enforce these rules.

An advocate in the courtroom described the situation as "a disaster waiting to happen." The judge lamented the lax enforcement of traffic laws and the broader issue of non-compliance with regulations in general.

Justice Srishananda's comments intensified as he discussed the perceived lawlessness of the area: "Every two minutes, you'll see an auto-rickshaw dropping people in this way. No rule applies here. The people are of that nature," he concluded, before adjourning the hearing.