Over 300 lawyers from across India have called out Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, for his remarks about an “anti-India gang”. The lawyers have written an open letter to the minister, expressing their concern over his comments and demanding an apology.
The controversy began when Rijiju, in a tweet, accused an “anti-India gang” of trying to “defame India”. He was referring to a group of lawyers who had written to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) about the human rights situation in India.
The lawyers, in their open letter, have expressed their shock and dismay at the minister’s remarks. They have said that the minister’s comments are “unbecoming of a person holding a high office” and that they are “unconstitutional and violative of the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression”.
The lawyers have also pointed out that the minister’s comments are “in direct contravention of the Indian Constitution” and that they are “in direct violation of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights”.
The lawyers have further said that the minister’s comments are “unacceptable” and that they “undermine the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary”. They have also demanded that the minister retract his statement and apologize for his remarks.
The lawyers have also urged the government to take “all necessary steps to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that the fundamental rights of citizens are respected”.
The open letter has been signed by over 300 lawyers from across India, including prominent lawyers such as Prashant Bhushan, Indira Jaising, and Colin Gonsalves.
The controversy has sparked a debate in India about the freedom of speech and expression, and the role of the government in protecting the rights of citizens. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to the open letter and the demands of the lawyers.