Bollywood actress Swara Bhaskar, known for her bold opinions, has once again sparked controversy with her statements. In a recent viral video circulating on social media, Swara openly criticized the Indian judicial system, particularly focusing on Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud. Swara questioned why the CJI could find time to participate in Ganesh Puja with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but not spare 20 minutes for the bail hearing of Umar Khalid, a former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student leader, who has been jailed for nearly four years.
Swara’s comments have come at a time when prominent figures, including Congress leader Digvijay Singh, have voiced their concerns over the prolonged imprisonment of Muslim activists like Umar Khalid, particularly in cases related to protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Swara Bhaskar’s Critical Stand on the Judiciary and Justice System
In the viral video, Swara Bhaskar is seen fiercely criticizing the Indian judicial system, stating that the country’s promise of equality before the law seems hollow when certain communities and individuals are treated differently. She expressed her frustration at the four-year-long incarceration of Umar Khalid without bail, questioning why a high-profile case like this has been ignored for so long.
Swara stated, “Our country guarantees equality before the law, but what good is that if justice isn’t equally accessible to everyone?” She continued to point out how her privileged background—being born into an upper-caste, Hindu family, with access to English-medium education and a career in Bollywood—has shielded her from the same treatment that others like Umar Khalid have faced. Swara suggested that if she or someone of her background had been arrested, the outcome might have been different.
Muslim Activists Like Umar Khalid Face Injustice, Says Swara Bhaskar
Swara Bhaskar went further to highlight the disparity in treatment that Muslim activists face in the justice system. She said, “You can call a Muslim a terrorist, but calling someone like me—a Hindu, educated in English-medium, and from an upper-caste family—a terrorist would be too much for our media.” Her pointed remark was aimed at the biased portrayal of Muslims in media and the differential treatment by law enforcement.
Swara also mentioned that a judge recused himself from hearing Umar Khalid’s bail plea just before the scheduled hearing, which caused further delay. “Why are you not capable of hearing the case? Didn’t you study to become a judge? You get paid from our tax money, you live in government-provided homes, and yet you claim you don’t have time for this case?” Swara asked, clearly questioning the judiciary’s commitment to timely justice.
CJI’s Participation in Ganesh Puja Draws Criticism Amid Pending Cases
Swara did not hold back when she pointed out the Chief Justice’s participation in Ganesh Puja alongside PM Modi, while Umar Khalid’s bail plea remains unheard. She criticized the judiciary for not finding 20 minutes to hear Khalid’s case, but having enough time to engage in religious ceremonies. She asked bluntly, “What are you afraid of? Why don’t you have 20 minutes for justice?”
Her statements echoed the concerns raised by other political figures, including Digvijay Singh, who also questioned the delay in granting bail to Muslim activists. Singh had earlier highlighted that, while “bail is the rule and jail is the exception,” this principle seems to change when it comes to Muslims. He particularly referred to Umar Khalid and Khalid Saifi, who were both arrested for protesting against the CAA-NRC.
Accusations Against Umar Khalid in Delhi Riots Case
Umar Khalid has been behind bars since September 2020, charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for his alleged role in inciting the 2020 Delhi riots. The Delhi Police claim that Khalid was one of the key conspirators behind the riots, and that he organized protests at 23 locations across the capital, which led to the violence. However, Umar Khalid has consistently denied these allegations, asserting that he has been wrongly implicated.
Swara Bhaskar has stood firmly in support of Umar Khalid, calling for a fair trial and questioning the judiciary’s delay in addressing his bail application. She asked why the system seemed to work faster for some people and not for others. Swara further added that justice should be served through actions, not just speeches. She said, “Justice is in doing, not in speaking. It is not enough to talk about justice; it must be seen in the way cases are handled.”
Swara Bhaskar’s Message to the Judiciary: What is the Delay About?
In a passionate appeal, Swara Bhaskar questioned the motivations behind the delay in hearing Umar Khalid’s case. She asked if judges, especially those who have reached the highest levels of the judiciary, were acting out of fear or were pursuing personal gains. “What more do you want now? Do you want to become the Governor or get a seat in Rajya Sabha?” Swara asked rhetorically, hinting at possible political motivations behind certain judicial actions.
Swara’s remarks have sparked a conversation on the role of the judiciary, particularly in high-profile cases involving minority communities. She highlighted the fear that many citizens, especially Muslims and Dalits, live with daily, knowing they could face violence or imprisonment without sufficient cause. “What are you afraid of now, in this old age? What greed do you have now?” Swara asked, addressing her concerns to the judges handling such cases.
Umar Khalid’s Bail Hearing in May 2024
Umar Khalid’s bail application was last heard in May 2024, but he was denied relief by the Karkardooma Court in Delhi. Khalid had previously approached the Supreme Court for bail but later withdrew his petition. Despite repeated attempts to secure bail, Khalid remains in jail, and his case continues to draw widespread attention and debate.
Swara Bhaskar’s latest remarks have once again brought the judiciary’s handling of Muslim activists into the spotlight. As she continues to speak out in favor of equal justice for all, her statements are likely to stir further discussions on the need for timely hearings and the role of personal biases in judicial decisions.
