Former Supreme Court judge, Hemant Gupta, known for his role in upholding the controversial Karnataka hijab ban, was one of the 30 attendees at a recent “Judges Meet” organized by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP). The event, which attracted significant attention, saw the gathering of retired judges and legal luminaries to discuss key national and legal issues, with a focus on Hindu values and the judiciary’s role in preserving them.

Hemant Gupta’s Role in the Hijab Ban Verdict

Justice Hemant Gupta’s involvement in the 2022 Karnataka hijab ban verdict has placed him in the national spotlight. The ban, which prohibited the wearing of hijabs in government educational institutions, was a divisive ruling, sparking nationwide debates about religious freedom, women’s rights, and secularism. While Justice Gupta upheld the ban, his decision was seen as a reflection of the growing tensions between religious practices and state laws, with many lauding his strict interpretation of constitutional principles, while others criticized it as a move that restricted individual freedoms.

The VHP’s “Judges Meet”

The VHP, a prominent Hindu nationalist organization, hosted the “Judges Meet” as part of its ongoing efforts to engage retired legal professionals in discussions about the future of India’s judicial and legal framework. The meeting was not only about current legal issues but also highlighted concerns about cultural and religious preservation, particularly from a Hindu perspective.

The presence of Justice Hemant Gupta at the meeting is notable, given his previous rulings and influence on key judgments that have shaped the discourse around secularism and religious identity in India. While the event itself was described as a private gathering, its implications are significant as the VHP seeks to engage more deeply with the judiciary, even in retirement, to further its goals of promoting a Hindutva-driven legal narrative.

Reactions and Controversy

The attendance of Justice Gupta, along with other former judges, at the VHP meeting has raised eyebrows in certain legal and political circles. Critics argue that such associations may blur the lines between judicial independence and ideological affiliations, while others defend the right of retired judges to participate in events that align with their personal beliefs.

Legal experts have expressed concerns about the potential impact such gatherings could have on public trust in the judiciary. The judiciary in India is often seen as a neutral arbiter of justice, and any perceived ideological alignment could undermine that perception. However, supporters of the event argue that it is natural for judges to engage with organizations that reflect their cultural or religious views after their retirement.

The VHP has long been associated with the promotion of Hindu values and has been a vocal supporter of legal reforms that align with its ideological stance, including issues related to religious conversions, the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, and more recently, the push for a uniform civil code.

What Lies Ahead

The gathering of retired judges, including Justice Hemant Gupta, at the VHP’s “Judges Meet” highlights the ongoing intersection of law, religion, and politics in India. While the event itself was private, its potential influence on broader legal debates cannot be ignored, especially as the country continues to navigate contentious issues related to religious freedoms, secularism, and cultural identity.

Justice Gupta’s presence at the meeting, given his past rulings on sensitive religious matters, has added to the public discourse on how judges, both serving and retired, engage with ideological organizations. As the judiciary remains a critical pillar of democracy, balancing impartiality with personal beliefs will be a continuing challenge, especially in a diverse and pluralistic society like India.