What the Recent Case of Misconduct Against CJI B.R. Gavai Says About Caste Mentality

Historically, India has never witnessed such a profound humiliation and degradation of the Chief Justice’s stature as we experienced yesterday in the courtroom. The shocking incident in which a shoe was hurled at Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai – only second Dalit chief justice of the country – by an ideologically driven Sanatani Hindu lawyer demands unequivocal condemnation from every rational individual for two compelling reasons. 

First and foremost, this act is not merely an affront to the Chief Justice – it is a grave disrespect to the entire judiciary, which embodies the core constitutional values of rationality, justice and equality. 

Secondly, this incident transcends personal humiliation; it is a direct insult to the Ambedkarite community, which has valiantly fought against Brahmanical supremacy and tirelessly advocates for rationality, justice and equality. If we, especially within the Ambedkarite community, do not vocally denounce this act, it could be misconstrued as a tacit acceptance of the burgeoning dominance of Sanatani ideology in our society. 

It is interesting to note that this incident is similar to many experiences that B.R. Ambedkar faced during his life, highlighting the psychological notion of domination stemming from the dominant caste system. This system shapes the actions of its members towards Dalits. 

One notable incident occurred while Ambedkar was working as a military secretary in the defense department of the erstwhile princely state of Baroda, a position he held thanks to a scholarship awarded by Shayaji Rao Gaikwad, the Maharaja of Baroda, to pursue his education abroad. During this time, a peon, a mere class four employee, would throw files at Ambedkar to avoid any physical contact with an "untouchable". 

It must be recalled that Ambedkar was not only an eminent scholar and economist but also a source of pride for Maharaja Gaikwad himself.

Unfortunately, similar experiences of discrimination continue to impact the lives of Dalits, including individuals who have held high dignified positions, such as the President of India or a state minister. For example, the former President Ram Nath Kovind and his wife, the former First Lady, were blocked from entering the Jagannath temple in Puri by servitors. This occurred despite the district administration's active involvement in managing the event to prevent such mishaps. Similarly, in 2020, Rajiv Saizal, the former social justice and empowerment minister of Himachal Pradesh and an MLA from the Scheduled Caste community, also faced discrimination while visiting a temple. He and his associate, MLA Vinod Kumar, were denied entry. 

Saizal remarked, “I am a witness to it. Even today, Dalits cannot sit with general category people while having food.” It is not just the ministries but even the Dalit bureaucrats face similar discrimination in their everyday lives. One must recognise that Dalit political leaders, regardless of their position in the social hierarchy, often endure caste humiliation. 

A notable incident involved S. Rajeswari, former president of Therku Thittai Panchayat under the Melbuvanagiri Panchayat Union in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. S. Rajeswari was forced to sit on the floor and not permitted to hoist the national flag by her colleagues, including the vice president of the panchayat. This incident only came to public attention when a photograph of her sitting on the floor was shared on social media. Although high-ranking officials took immediate action in response, it is disheartening to observe that caste-based practices continue to dominate village life in modern India, despite all claims to the contrary. 

A troubling list of discriminatory acts against high-ranking Dalit officials underscores the caste-biased mentality prevalent within the dominant caste system. The mere association with the dominant caste often motivates individuals from this group to commit discriminatory acts against high-ranking Dalit officers.

These examples clearly demonstrate that caste-based discrimination is an inseparable aspect of Dalit life, regardless of their economic status. Members of the dominant caste, irrespective of their financial standings, commonly display a willingness to offend high-ranking Dalit officials in public spaces. It is essential to recognise that, despite some claims denying the existence of a caste-based system in modern India, the historical narrative of Dalit humiliation has always been intertwined with this issue, affecting individuals irrespective of their economic position.

In light of this history of continuous discrimination and humiliation, if we do not openly express our disapproval of this act, it risks being seen as silent consent to the growing influence of ideologies that threaten our values. 

Now, more than ever, we must rally in support of Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and reaffirm our commitment to the principles we hold dear. This is a call to action for the Ambedkarite community and every rational individual. Together, we can foster a culture that celebrates diversity and justice, ensuring that every voice is heard and respected. Let’s move forward with optimism, unity and a shared commitment to our democratic ideals.

Suhas Bhasme is a faculty member at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences.

Keshav Waghmare is a Pune-based social activist and independent journalist. 

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