The Madras High Court's recent circular banning the display of portraits and statues of any political leader other than Mahatma Gandhi and Tiruvalluvar in court complexes across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry has ignited a heated debate and drawn strong reactions from Ambedkarites and Dalit outfits.
The circular, issued on July 7 by the Registrar General (in-charge) M. Jothiraman, cited a series of "Full Court Resolutions" dating back to 2008, which had already rejected requests for the installation of portraits and statues of political leaders in court premises. The decision was reinforced multiple times over the years, with the latest resolution in April 2023 stating that only the portraits and statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Tiruvalluvar would be permitted inside the court premises.
The circular further emphasized that the decision was made to address demands from various quarters to erect statues of political leaders, which had led to law and order issues due to damage caused to the statutes of national leaders in different places.
However, Ambedkarites and Dalit outfits have condemned the circular, viewing it as an attempt to erase the legacy of B.R. Ambedkar, the Father of the Indian Constitution and India's first Law Minister. They argue that Ambedkar's contribution to various facets of Indian society, such as law, labour, women's rights, and social justice, extends beyond his role as a jurist and architect of the Indian Constitution.
The Neelam Cultural Centre, an anti-caste initiative led by Tamil director Pa Ranjith, has released a statement criticizing the High Court's decision. The statement contends that removing Ambedkar's photos and statues from places significant to law undermines his legacy and contributions to social justice. They express disappointment with the court's approach, stating that it should be promoting equality and social justice rather than perpetuating discriminatory practices.
In response to the circular, a section of lawyers has planned a demonstration outside the Madras High Court and district court campuses across the state on July 24, 2023, demanding the withdrawal of the circular. They argue that such a ban on displaying portraits of important political figures restricts freedom of expression and cultural representation in court complexes.
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