Retired Delhi High Court judge S. Muralidhar has strongly criticized the Supreme Court for its approach in handling sensitive disputes involving the Muslim community. Speaking at a recent public forum, he highlighted that verdicts in key cases, including the Babri Masjid–Ayodhya dispute, have created an impression of a majoritarian bias within the judiciary.
Warning on Constitutional Balance
Justice Muralidhar cautioned that India’s highest court must remain above political or religious pressures. He argued that when judicial decisions appear to favor majority sentiment over constitutional principles, the credibility of the judiciary as a neutral arbiter of justice comes under threat.
Babri Masjid Reference
While discussing the Ayodhya verdict, he noted that despite acknowledging the unlawful demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992, the court ultimately awarded the disputed site to the Hindu claimants. According to him, such outcomes deepen the sense of alienation among minorities and raise questions about whether constitutional guarantees of equality and secularism are being upheld.
Broader Concerns for Minority Rights
Justice Muralidhar emphasized that the judiciary must actively protect the rights of vulnerable communities. He pointed out that perceptions of partiality can weaken democratic institutions, especially in a diverse country like India where minorities rely on the courts for impartial justice.
Call for Judicial Accountability
He urged the legal fraternity, civil society, and policymakers to reflect on these concerns and work towards strengthening judicial independence.
he remarked.“The Constitution requires neutrality from all institutions of governance, and the judiciary cannot be an exception,”
Reactions and Debate
His comments have sparked debate in legal and political circles. While some lawyers and activists welcomed his candid observations, calling them a necessary reminder of constitutional values, others argued that judicial decisions must be respected and not subjected to sweeping criticism.
Significance of the Statement
Justice Muralidhar’s remarks underscore growing concerns about the perception of majoritarian influence in judicial decisions. They also serve as a call for introspection within India’s justice system to ensure that it continues to uphold the principles of fairness, equality, and secularism enshrined in the Constitution.