Even as the Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to the Uttar Pradesh government on the arrest of Kanwal Bharti, the Dalit scholar expressed “insecurity” in his home district of Rampur.
The apex court has sought explanation from the State Government for arresting Mr. Bharti for a post critical of the SP Government over the suspension of IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal. “I am still anxious. The goondas of the State can do anything. The insecurity will stay,” he said.
Talking to The Hindu , Mr. Bharti also lashed out at the SP Government for failing to take criticism. “What kind of Samajwad (socialism) is this? They talk of Lohia and can’t take criticism. Unfortunately, they will not change,” he said. Mr. Bharti expressed faith that the judiciary would uphold the Freedom of Expression but rued the time taking process it would involve.
