K'taka Bar Council under fire for inviting speaker with 'divisive' views

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Bar Council is facing criticism for inviting Supreme Court lawyer Sai Deepak to speak on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) on August 31.

Sai Deepak is known for his controversial views, including those with Islamophobic and 'Hindutva' leanings.

Advocates and law students in Karnataka have raised concerns about an upcoming public discussion organised by the Karnataka State Bar Council, where Advocate Sai Deepak is slated to be the main speaker.

In a letter to the Karnataka State Bar Council, advocates and law students have expressed concerns that Deepak's participation might validate his views and provide a platform for hate speech.

They have also pointed out his lack of expertise in constitutional matters and the absence of solid legal reasoning in his views on the UCC. The letter emphasises the advocates' and law students' adherence to principles such as secularism, equality, and justice.

They assert that the concept of the UCC can be divisive and detrimental. They urge the Bar Council to reconsider its choice of speaker, suggesting someone more qualified and less controversial.

The letter also raises concerns about Deepak's discourse potentially fueling communal tensions in Karnataka. In conclusion, the letter highlights the Bar Council's responsibility to ensure its events do not sow division and animosity.

By inviting Deepak to speak on the UCC, the Bar Council may inadvertently endorse divisive and harmful views—a message it should strive to avoid projecting.

Currently, the Bar Council has not responded to the concerns raised in the letter.