New Delhi: Indian Supreme Court advocate Shahrukh Alam has criticized what he perceives as double standards in the treatment of Muslim protests by India’s judicial system, highlighting a consistent bias against Muslim communities during the “Curtailed Freedoms: A Travesty of Justice” event held in New Delhi.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Alam drew attention to the differential treatment of protests depending on the communities involved. He emphasized the harsh scrutiny Muslim-led protests receive, often being labeled as national security threats, while similar actions by other groups are considered valid democratic expressions.
Alam referenced the 2020 anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests in Delhi as a prime example, where Muslim youths were accused and detained for alleged violence and looting. The subsequent acquittal of 11 youths on grounds of false accusations, he noted, has not led to any accountability of the police forces involved, underscoring a prejudiced approach towards Muslims in judicial proceedings.
Furthermore, Alam criticized the media and judicial system for prominently mentioning Muslim names in legal cases, while often anonymizing names from other communities. He questioned the disparity in legal perceptions, asking why Muslim protests are framed as threats, whereas similar dissent by other groups is recognized as reflecting national sentiments.
Alam’s arguments also touched upon historical parallels, invoking Martin Luther King Jr.’s experiences with biased criticisms during his civil rights campaigns. He drew a line connecting the past and present struggles against racial and religious discrimination, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing these biases within legal and public spheres.
By spotlighting these issues, Alam aims to foster a more balanced and just approach to handling protests and civil actions across different communities in India, striving for an unbiased judicial process that upholds the rights and dignities of all citizens irrespective of religion.