Meghalaya judge clarifies ‘Hindu country’comment, says nothing against secularism

Justice Sudip Ranjan Sen of Meghalaya High Court had sparked a major row with his ‘Hindu country’ remark in a judgement, few day ago. Justice Sen has clarified that his order wasn’t influenced by any political ideology and also said that he has nothing against secularism of the country.

On Wednesday, Sudip Ranjan Sen had said that “India should have become a Hindu country after Partition”. Sen made this comment while he was hearing a petition by an Army recruit who was refused a domicile certificate by the Meghalaya government.

In his order, the judge had said, “I make it clear that nobody should try to make India as another Islamic country, otherwise it will be a doomsday for India and the world.”

Apparently, several top lawyers, retired judges and political parties had condemned his comment and even sought his impeachment.

Further on the Communist Party of India-Marxist said that “Justice Sen reflects his political faith akin to RSS ideology of Hindu Rashtra”. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is the ideological mentor of the ruling BJP at the centre.

Even, Asaduddin Owaisi, chief of AIMIM had said, “India is a secular and plural country and it will never become Islamic state.”

After being slammed nationwide, the judge posted his clarification on the official website of the Meghalaya High Court, and wrote, “I do not belong to any political party nor have I got any dream to get any political berth after my retirement and neither is my judgement politically motivated or influenced by any party.”

He also added, “Secularism is one of the basic structures of our Indian Constitution. It should not further be divided on the basis of religion, caste, creed, community or language… I would also like to clarify here that in my judgement nowhere I have said anything against secularism and my judgement makes references to the history and one cannot change the history.”

While defending himself in the note, he stressed that his judgement was not outside the ambit of the constitution, “Whatever is the truth, history and real ground reality, on that basis I have written my judgement to save the citizens of India irrespective of caste, creed, religion or language and people should understand the history of India and live in peace and harmony.”

Also read: Meghalaya: 13 trapped in ‘rat hole’ mine; rescue operation underway