‘Status Quo to be Maintained for BR Ambedkar Portraits in Madras HC’: Chief Justice SV Gangapurwala

The Tamil Nadu Government has recently stated that the High Court Chief Justice SV Gangapurwala has provided assurance to the state that the court premises’ status quo will be maintained concerning the portraits of BR Ambedkar.

A circular issued by the Registrar General (in charge) of Madras High Court had informed the District Judiciary about the resolution passed by the Full Court of Madras High Court.

According to this resolution, going forward, only the statutes and portraits of Mahatma Gandhi and Saint Thiruvalluvar will be displayed inside the court premises, and no other portraits or pictures shall be allowed.

This circular received widespread criticism across the country, with many expressing disheartenment and shame over the potential removal of portraits of BR Ambedkar, who is regarded as the father of the Indian Constitution. Madras High Court advocates also protested against the circular, urging for its withdrawal.

In response to the situation, the state law minister, on the instructions of Chief Minister MK Stalin, met with the Chief Justice and conveyed the government’s stance against the removal of Dr. Ambedkar’s portraits from the court halls in the state. Following the meeting, the Chief Justice reportedly assured the Law Minister that there was no such order to remove the portraits.

A press release issued by the Department of Information and Public Relations conveyed the Chief Justice’s assurance to various advocate associations.