Protest over Ambedkar's photo being removed from a R-Day event in Karnataka

During the 73rd Republic Day celebrations, there were protests in Karnataka's Raichur district after District Judge Mallikarjun Gowda removed the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi and Ambedkar's picture from a wall.

Videos of the removal of Ambedkar's picture went viral on social media and sparked outrage in the state.

Former minister and BJP legislator Shivanagouda Naik said the judge's conduct is shameful and demanded that he be fired immediately.

Protesters blocked arterial roads in the city and, in addition to sacking the judge, demanded a public apology from him.

"The High Court must see to it that such incidents do not occur again," the protestors demanded.

In an interview with Shivakumar Megalamani, state vice president of SFI and an advocate, the judge said protocol does not allow him to unfurl the flag if Ambedkar's photo is displayed. The judge also claimed that unfurling the flag would bring him into trouble.

Ambedkar's photo is being kept in Bengaluru Civil court, Kalaburagi Civil Court, and no judge has objected and raised such an issue. The same judge had objected to placing the photograph of Ambedkar on November 26, which is celebrated as Constitution Day. The advocates had to strongly protest to retain the photo in the function organised by Raichur Bar Council and the District Legal Services Authority," he added.

Moolimani stated that Ayudha Puja was hosted in the court building without raising any objections. "We also want all his judgments reviewed," he said.

According to Naik, the judge insulted the architect of the Constitution. "By refusing to lower the tricolour until Ambedkar's photograph has been removed he has displayed a distorted mindset for a civilized society."

"I will bring this matter to the attention of the government and law department," he said. "This is painful. The act has caused outrage across the state. The High Court must intervene very soon to sack the judge who still has the mindset of untouchability."