Gwalior High Court Issues Notices Ahead of ‘Virodh Diwas’; Orders Maintain Law and Prevent Incitement

Gwalior, MP: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued interim directions to maintain law and order in Gwalior city and the High Court premises ahead of the proposed “Virodh Diwas” (Protest Day) on 16 November. Notices have been served to key individuals and organizations, including former Gwalior High Court Bar Association president Anil Mishra, Bhim Army’s Jai Bhim group, and others, instructing them to submit responses regarding the planned protests.

Petition Filed by Public Interest Group
The matter arose following a petition filed by Dr. P.G. Najpande of the Citizens’ Consumer Guidance Forum. The petition highlighted concerns over law and order, citing that Anil Mishra has declared 16 November as “Virodh Diwas” to protest amendments to the SC/ST Act. Senior advocate Sanjay Agrawal argued that such demonstrations could disrupt peace in the city and the court premises, referring to past disturbances during the installation of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s statue. Considering the gravity of the situation, the High Court issued the interim orders and sought responses from the parties involved.

High Court Orders Preventive Measures
The bench of Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf directed the Chief Secretary of the Home Department, the High Court Registrar General, the Gwalior Collector, and other concerned officials to ensure law and order is maintained. The court specifically instructed that the media, both print and electronic, refrain from broadcasting or publishing provocative content related to the planned protest.

Background of the Controversy
The dispute traces back to the installation of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s statue at Gwalior High Court. Earlier, the Bhim Army had announced protests but later withdrew their movement. Now, former Bar Association president Anil Mishra has declared that 16 November will be observed as “Virodh Diwas,” prompting the High Court’s precautionary orders.

The High Court emphasized maintaining peace across the city and ensuring that no law-and-order situation arises during the upcoming protest.