WATCH: Swara Bhaskar Criticizes Judiciary, Questions Priorities of CJI

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September 19 2024 : In a viral video, actor Swara Bhaskar has sparked a heated debate by criticizing the Indian judiciary for its delays in delivering justice to prisoners awaiting trial, particularly in cases involving activists like Umar Khalid. Bhaskar’s remarks came during the event Curtailed Freedoms: A Travesty of Justice held at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi, where she addressed an audience of legal experts, activists, and prominent figures, including politicians like Digvijay Singh, and comedian Kunal Kamra.

Speaking at the event, Bhaskar directed pointed criticism at Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, accusing him of prioritizing social events with political leaders over urgent legal matters. “What are you afraid of? You have time to do a puja with PM Modi but don’t have 20 minutes for justice?” Bhaskar asked, referencing a recent Ganapati puja hosted by the CJI that featured Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Swara Bhaskar delivered her speech with a calm demeanor, smiling throughout, yet making her points in a bold and compelling manner. She highlighted the plight of activist Umar Khalid, who has been in jail for over four years without trial under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) following the 2020 Delhi riots. Comparing her situation with Khalid’s, Bhaskar reflected on her own privilege as a Hindu, saying, “I was also part of the protests, but I wasn’t jailed. Why? Because I was born into a Hindu family. It wasn’t convenient enough for the authorities to put me behind bars.”

The actor’s speech further delved into issues of religious discrimination, emphasizing how Khalid and other Muslim activists have been unfairly targeted. “It’s easy to label a Muslim as a terrorist, but tagging the daughter of a Hindu ex-Navy officer as a terrorist? That might be a bit too much,” she remarked.

In addition to her criticism of the judiciary, Swara Bhaskar also took aim at the country’s mainstream media. “The biased media in this country has left no stone unturned in spreading hatred and running hate-filled stories against Umar Khalid and others,” she said, condemning the role of media in fueling divisive narratives.

Bhaskar also questioned the integrity of the judicial system, particularly criticizing Delhi High Court judge Amit Sharma, who recently recused himself from hearing Khalid’s bail plea. “Why are you not capable? You are educated and paid by the taxes of this country. How can you recuse yourself from your responsibilities?” she asked, challenging the judge’s decision.

Adding to the conversation, standup comedian Kunal Kamra echoed similar sentiments, pointing out how his Hindu identity shielded him from persecution. “If I were a Muslim, I’d be behind bars like Umar Khalid,” Kamra said, criticizing the hypocrisy in India’s policing system. He shared an example of how his scheduled performances in Gujarat were canceled due to threats on social media, with no action taken against those who made the threats.

Kamra further compared policing in India to that in the United States, stating, “In America, if someone posts a threat online, they are questioned by the police or even taken into custody. That’s real policing.”

The event, hosted by the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) and Concerned Citizens Delhi, underscored the growing concerns over civil liberties and the selective application of laws like UAPA.

Swara Bhaskar’s sharp critique, delivered with a smile, has reignited the debate on the judiciary’s role in safeguarding civil rights and the need for timely justice for those languishing in prison without trial.

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