Justice V Srishananda Of Karnataka High Court Expresses Regret For Objectionable Remarks

Justice V Srishananda, Judge of the Karnataka High Court who made objectionable remarks during court hearings, today expressed regret and said they were unintentional and not to hurt any individual or section of the society.

As the proceedings began today at 2.30 pm, the judge read out a statement in this regard in the open court in the presence of some of the office bearers of the Advocates' Association, Bengaluru (AAB), and others. The judge said that the observations made during judicial proceedings were reported out-of-context on social media platforms.

AAB President Vivek Subba Reddy said that the judge's judgments were excellent but his side comments had caused trouble to the judge as well as to the lawyers.

The senior advocate who was present in the court said the judge expressed that he would not make any such comments in future.

As regards the objectionable remark made to a woman advocate, the judge is said to have clarified that it was not intended towards her but to her client.

The Supreme Court on Friday (September 20) took suo motu cognizance of the video clips containing the controversial comments made by Justice Srishananda.

A 5-judge bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrahud, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, Surya Kant and Hrishikesh Roy passed an order seeking a report from the Karnataka High Court.

Recently, two video clips of Justice Vedavyasachar Srishananda of the High Court surfaced on social media, in which he was seen making objectionable remarks. In one video, he was seen referring to an area in Bangalore as "Pakistan". In another video, he was seen making objectionable remarks to a woman advocate.

The court has directed the Registrar General of the High Court to submit a report to the Supreme Court after seeking administrative directions from the Chief Justice of Karnataka HC. The matter will be next heard on September 25.

Several social media users, including prominent lawyers, criticised the High Court judge for his remarks which were livestreamed.