Protests erupted in Raichur, Karnataka on Thursday against Raichur Principal District and Sessions Judge, Mallikarjuna Gowda after he allegedly removed a portrait of Dr. BR Ambedkar from the dais before hoisting the national flag in court premises during the Republic Day celebrations on January 26.
Following a plea from a Dalit organisation criticising the incident, several lawyers, organisations, and even political party members joined the protests.
The Karnataka High Court was also made aware of the situation.
TG Sivasankaregowda, the Registrar General of the High Court, told that the Court has requested a report on the occurrence.
The Court had already allowed the placement of Mahatma Gandhi's photograph on Republic Day, while the issue of Dr. Ambedkar's portrait for official judiciary programmes is currently before the Court's entire bench for deliberation.
"Once authorised, it will be required to place Dr. Ambedkar's portrait opposite Gandhiji's portrait, and a circular will be circulated to all parties involved," he said.
