A Dalit and Buddhist activist has written to Attorney General R Venkataramani, seeking his consent to initiate criminal contempt proceedings against religious preacher Aniruddhacharya and social media influencer Ajeet Bharti.
Suraj Kumar Bauddh, the activist, alleges that both figures made inflammatory comments that may have incited the recent shoe-hurling situation at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai.
Notably, on Monday, 71-year-old lawyer Rakesh Kishore attempted to hurl a shoe at CJI Gavai inside the Supreme Court. Although Kishore was restrained immediately and his license suspended by the Bar Council of India, the Chief Justice chose not to press charges.
Since the incident, Kishore has defended his actions, alleging that the CJI and the Supreme Court are “against Sanatan Dharma.”
Under Indian law, private citizens require the Attorney General’s approval to begin contempt of court proceedings.
Who is Suraj Kumar Bauddh?
Bauddh is the founder of Mission Ambedkar, an organization that focuses on Dalit and Buddhist rights. In his letter, Bauddh cited a viral video featuring Aniruddhacharya (also known as Aniruddh Ram Tiwari) dated September 21, in which the preacher allegedly issued violent threats against the CJI.
“If you want to get your chest ripped open, then let me know,” Aniruddhacharya is heard saying in the clip.
Bauddh also pointed to objectionable comments made by Ajeet Bharti on YouTube and other platforms.
“These statements and actions are aimed at provoking violence against the Hon'ble Chief Justice of India and other judges. The tone and tenor of such public provocation are extremely dangerous, and these posts have gone viral, creating heated debates and escalating tensions,” Bauddh wrote.
“Such behaviour is unprecedented in the history of the Supreme Court of India. If such individuals are not brought to justice, the independence of the judiciary and the foundation of our democracy could be placed in peril. No court or judge should be prevented from discharging their duties without fear or favour.”