Thu Oct 09 07:43:32 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Civil rights organizations and writers’ collectives in Hyderabad have condemned a recent attack on Chief Justice of India B. R. Gavai. They view the attack as a threat to constitutional morality, democratic values, and the safety of marginalized citizens. The groups criticized the police response for not invoking the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, given the alleged caste-based motivation. They emphasized the attacker’s purported shouts of “Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahenge” (“We will not tolerate insult to Sanatan”) and linked the incident to rising religious extremism. They urged the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance and called upon constitutional institutions to protect the judiciary’s dignity. They quoted S. Radhakrishnan about the importance of protecting minorities in a democracy and urged the youth to defend B. R. Ambedkar’s vision of fraternity, democracy and justice.
**News Article:**
**Attack on Chief Justice Gavai Sparks Outrage, Fuels Concerns of Rising Extremism**
**Hyderabad, October 9, 2025** – A brazen attack on Chief Justice of India B. R. Gavai has ignited widespread condemnation from civil rights organizations and writers’ collectives, who warn of a dangerous assault on India’s constitutional values and a growing threat to the safety of marginalized communities.
During a press conference held today in Hyderabad, representatives from the Civil Rights Initiative Internationale (CRII), Samooha Secular Writers Forum, and the National Justice Political Front – India, denounced the attack as a “national shame” and a direct affront to India’s Constitution.
“If the Chief Justice of India is targeted because of his caste, then the safety of every marginalized citizen is at stake,” stated Babu Rao, IPS (Retd), national president of CRII. Rao criticized the police response, noting that only a Zero FIR was filed and urged the authorities to investigate the attack under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, citing the attacker’s alleged caste-based motivation. Mr. Rao also noted that Justice Gavai is the third Dalit to hold the post of Chief Justice of India.
According to reports, the attacker, identified as Rakesh Kishore, reportedly shouted “Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahenge” (“We will not tolerate insult to Sanatan”) during the assault. Rights activists believe this indicates a manifestation of rising religious extremism aimed at undermining constitutional values.
Mercy Margaret of the Samooha Secular Writers Forum condemned the incident as “manuvadi extremism” and warned that the attack reflected a growing wave of caste and communal fanaticism threatening India’s democracy.
Speakers emphasized that the attack violated several constitutional provisions, including Articles 14, 15, and 21, which guarantee equality, non-discrimination, and the right to life. They also invoked India’s international obligations under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The organizations are urging the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of the attack and initiate stronger legal action under the SC/ST Atrocities Act. They have also called upon constitutional institutions to uphold the dignity of the judiciary and reaffirm India’s democratic soul.
This incident follows closely behind other recent reports indicating rising bigotry in the society, sparking widespread national debate and concern.
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