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Justice Krishna Dixit of Karnataka High Court today asked Senior Advocate Devdutt Kamat and Karnataka Advocate General Prabhuling Navadgi if “it was too hot in Delhi” as they engaged in a war of words in the matter challenging Karnataka Government Order which said that wearing Hijab is not a fundamental right.

Kamat a senior advocate of the Supreme Court appeared online today and argued for the petitioner. During the course of the hearing it was revealed that Navadgi was in Delhi for a matter pertaining to water dispute. After having argued for almost 3 hours, Kamat submitted that, “Untouchability has not been abolished in India completely. This is a kind of religious apartheid.”

The AG took objection to it and asked Kamat to stick to arguments on law and not say such unsubstantiated things which will have serious consequences. Kamat however informed him that he has the right to make his submissions and AG cannot object to it. As the war of words progressed, Justice Krishna Dixit intervened and said “Is it too hot in Delhi?” to diffuse the situation, indicating that their tempers were running high.

Another round of war of words ensued when Kamat submitted that there were WhatsApp videos of Hijab wearing girls being chased by some boys. Navadgi objected to this again and said, “All parties should refrain from protests, these are dangerous statements being made. State is there is control, we won’t allow any such thing to happen!”

The AG urged to court to pass an order restraining people from agitating or holding rallies as a law and order situation is fanning up. He said “There are agitations and some sort of law and order situation is seeking to be fanned up. I seek an interim order that till the issue is resolved by the court that there cannot be agitations.”  Kamat while agreeing that an injunction maybe passed against the parties before the court and not against everyone as it may create more problems. Kamat said, "The State wants to politically gain from this because there are protests planned tomorrow. Some people are being harassed in the street. This order will have repercussions.”

Justice Krishna Dixit voicing his personal concerns said, “Leave the court and judges to the peace, these agitations, students attacking students, people who are dressed as students attacking others. These things disturb my decision making.”

The court finally passed an order requesting students and general public to maintain tranquility and calm while these proceedings are being heard.

Case title: Resham Vs State of Karnataka