Trinamool Congress MP Jawhar Sircar raised concerns in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday regarding the appointment of a judge accused of hate speech to the Madras High Court. A group of lawyers in Tamil Nadu had protested after the Supreme Court Collegium recommended her appointment on January 17, citing her previous association with the and alleged instances of hate speech.
During a supplementary question, Sircar referred to Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju’s written reply stating that “appropriate” persons are appointed as judges. Sircar questioned whether Victoria Gowri’s appointment was truly appropriate, given the public accusations of casteist remarks and bias against minorities.
Before Rijiju could respond, Leader of the House pushed back, stating that the appointment process should be respected and that casting aspersions was not appropriate.
Sircar clarified that he raised the question due to the public allegations and protests from lawyers in Tamil Nadu.
The Chairman also urged Sircar to be cautious in his comments on the judiciary, emphasizing the need for mutual respect between the three branches of the state.
Rijiju echoed the sentiment, noting the sensitivity of certain matters when discussed in the house.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court dismissed a plea challenging the recommendation to elevate Victoria Gowri as a judge of the Madras High Court. She was sworn in as an additional judge of the Madras High Court the same day, despite protests from the All India Lawyers Union.
