Gwalior: A major controversy erupted on Wednesday at the Gwalior Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court over the installation of a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as the legal fraternity found itself deeply divided on the issue. The dispute led to heightened tensions in the court premises, ultimately prompting police intervention to maintain law and order.
The incident unfolded when a group of lawyers arrived at the High Court premises with the intent to install a statue of Dr. Ambedkar. However, the statue was to be placed on a stand that currently bears the national flag, installed earlier as part of the “Operation Sindoor” initiative to honor the valor and patriotism of the Indian armed forces. This led to a sharp clash between two factions of lawyers—one supporting the installation and the other vehemently opposing it.
One of the leading voices in favor of the statue, advocate Rai Singh Bauddh, stated that the initiative has overwhelming support, claiming that 99% of the lawyers back the installation. He emphasized that due procedure was followed and added that an application for the statue had been submitted earlier. According to him, Chief Justice Suresh Kumar Kait had granted permission for the installation, and a dedicated stand was created following proper proceedings.
Bauddh accused a select group within the Bar Association of obstructing the process and attempting to sow discord among the legal community. He reiterated the resolve of Ambedkar supporters, stating that they would go to any lengths—including hunger strikes or mass protests—to ensure the installation takes place as planned.
On the other side, the Bar Association, led by President Pawan Pathak, raised serious objections. According to Pathak, the group attempting to install the statue did so without securing proper building permissions from the court’s building committee or the Madhya Pradesh government. He alleged that the financial resources used for the statue were collected from contractors and individuals with alleged criminal backgrounds, which he argued compromises the sanctity of the judicial environment.
Pathak maintained that the High Court premises must remain neutral and above all caste or religious affiliations. He further asserted that the group had no official documentation or approval to proceed, and the association would strongly resist what he described as a forced and unauthorized installation.
As verbal altercations escalated and the atmosphere grew tense, law enforcement was called in to take control of the situation. Police presence has since been maintained at the High Court premises to prevent further unrest.
