When Dignity Erodes: A Reflection on Disrespect in the Highest Court
I read the news recently about an incident at the Supreme Court, where a lawyer attempted to hurl a shoe at the Chief Justice of India, reportedly over a perceived insult to 'Sanatan Dharma' "'Sanatan ka apmaan nahi sahenge': Lawyer tries to hurl shoe towards CJI Gavai in SC; how he reacted". This news brought a deep sense of disquiet, and it compels me to reflect on the erosion of respect and dignity in our public discourse, particularly within institutions that are meant to uphold the highest ideals of justice.
The Supreme Court is not merely a building; it is a sacred space where the very foundations of our democratic values are defended. An act of such profound disrespect, regardless of the perceived grievance, strikes at the heart of our collective civility. It makes me question where we, as a society, are headed if even our temples of justice are not immune to such displays of outrage.
Years ago, I wrote about Mahatma Gandhi's profound realization regarding inter-religious harmony. He moved from the concept of Sarva Dharma Sahishnuta (tolerance for all religions) to Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava (equal respect for all religions), recognizing that tolerance could still imply a sense of superiority "Sarva Dharma Sthanam". This shift, as I highlighted, is crucial. If the act at the Supreme Court truly stemmed from a belief that Sanatan Dharma was being dishonored, then it is vital to remember that the essence of Sanatan values, at its purest, embraces universal respect and non-violence. True reverence for one's own faith should inspire respect for all, not aggression towards perceived detractors. It is striking how relevant this earlier insight still is today, and it underscores the urgent need to revisit these foundational ideas of mutual respect.
I have often lamented how our public sphere can sometimes descend into what I once called "Tamasha Tourism" "Incredible India", where trivial or divisive issues hijack meaningful discourse. This incident, occurring in a setting meant for serious deliberation, feels like an unfortunate extension of that trend. Instead of constructive engagement or seeking redress through appropriate channels, we witness acts that undermine the very fabric of institutional sanctity.
Reflecting on the qualities of a true devotee, as I did when sharing the bhajan "Vaishnav Jan To" "In Search of a Vaishnav Jan", the emphasis is always on understanding the pain of others, speaking ill of none, and maintaining purity in thought, word, and deed. A devotee's mind is free from greed, deceit, lust, and anger. These are the ideals that should guide our conduct, especially when passionately advocating for our beliefs. The actions reported fall far short of this elevated standard.
This incident is a stark reminder that the strength of our institutions and the civility of our society depend on each individual's commitment to respectful dialogue, even in disagreement. We must strive to uphold the dignity of our highest offices and courts, not just through laws, but through the inherent respect we cultivate for our shared public spaces and the principles they represent.
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
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