Patna: The political fraternity in Bihar on Wednesday strongly protested the alleged defamation inside the Patna High Court recently of a government employee alleging he had secured his job through “reservation”. Parties as diverse as the BJP, RJD and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) seemed unanimous in their distaste for the condescending manner in which the officer, a district land acquisition officer who is currently under suspension, was allegedly addressed was. The matter came to light after a video footage of the court hearing on November 23 went viral on social media. PTI could not independently verify the authenticity of the video. The officers appeared at their previous place of posting in connection with the award of compensation.
“How did you pass such an order? How many years have you been in service?” the judge can be heard asking in surprise, to which the officer replied that he has been in government service for 26 years. The judge also asked why the officer was suspended on his latest assignment and the deponent said that he was caught by the Vigilance Department. “Why kill the dead?” (What is the use of beating up someone who is already dead), muttered the judge, adding that the officer need not appear on the next date nor was he required to file a personal affidavit. “You just pray to God and fight your vigilance case,” remarked the judge as a parting note, before asking whether he had taken advantage of the reservation system. The officer replied yes before leaving, prompting the judge to remark, “I guessed so by your name,” amid thunderous laughter.
Some of the advocates can be heard saying to the judge, “You must have understood by now what is wrong with this man … He must have made enough money for two people sitting in office.” “Not at all,” said the judge, “this poor man must have spent all he could earn.” JD(U) parliamentary board chief Upendra Kushwaha told PTI, “The judge’s remarks insult the Constitution which has given reservation to Dalits and is unbecoming of a person holding a high position. He should apologize publicly.” “
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RJD national vice-president Shivanand Tiwari said, “Of late, the higher judiciary has become quite unabashed in displaying its bias towards the savarnas (upper castes). Demands should be raised to make the higher judiciary more socially inclusive.” ” Tiwari also stressed the need to implement the recommendations of the 30-member committee headed by Karia Munda in 1999-2000 to introduce a system of reservation in the appointments of judges. State BJP spokesperson and OBC Morcha national general secretary Nikhil Anand said, “We reject the judge’s comment. There should be no sarcastic remarks about reservation and any other system sanctioned by the Constitution.” The BJP leader said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi is determined to ensure adequate representation of SCs, STs, OBCs and women in his cabinet in the judiciary and other sectors.”