CPI stages protest in Anantapur condemning attack on Chief Justice Gavai

The Communist Party of India (CPI) and several allied public organisations on Wednesday staged a protest at the Ambedkar statue in Anantapur, denouncing the recent attack on Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice B.R. Gavai inside the Supreme Court.

Led by CPI district secretary J. Raja Reddy, the demonstrators demanded the immediate arrest and punishment of the accused lawyer, Kishore, who allegedly attacked the Chief Justice claiming to defend “Sanatana Dharma.”

Addressing the gathering, Raja Reddy strongly condemned the incident, calling it a disgraceful and undemocratic act that undermines the very principles of justice. “An attack on the Chief Justice of India is not just an assault on an individual but an attack on the Indian Constitution and democratic values,” he said.

He accused the BJP and RSS of promoting religious intolerance under the guise of protecting faith. “The country is witnessing a rise in communal aggression in the name of Sanatana Dharma. Such acts must be stopped, and those responsible should be punished without delay,” he demanded.

Raja Reddy urged Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan to speak out against the growing attacks on weaker sections and ensure that justice and equality prevail across all communities. He criticised political leaders for altering their stances for the sake of power, saying, “It is time to stand with people of all sections, not with those spreading hatred in the name of religion.”

The CPI leader further alleged that the BJP leadership had compromised the independence of key national institutions, warning that people were aware of such tactics and would deliver a fitting response in due course.

“Dr. B.R. Ambedkar gave us the Constitution to protect equality and democracy. Safeguarding it is the responsibility of every citizen,” Raja Reddy said. He called upon people to defend democratic institutions through peaceful and constitutional means.

Terming the assault on Justice Gavai as a premeditated and shameful act, he said it symbolised the growing danger of religious extremism undermining judicial independence. “The CPI strongly condemns this attack and demands that the assailant be immediately arrested and punished according to law,” he reiterated.

The protesters raised slogans defending the judiciary and the Constitution, pledging to continue their fight against communal forces that threaten India’s secular fabric.