In recent statements that could stir political controversy, Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Maharaj made remarks regarding the Indian justice system and its historical context, focusing on the Manusmriti, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, and BSP leader Mayawati. Speaking at the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 conference held on March 22, 2025, at Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Divyang Rajya Vishwavidyalaya in Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh, he reiterated his position on the continuity of justice traditions originating from Manu Maharaj.
Rambhadracharya stated, “The tradition of justice from Manu Maharaj and the rishis has continued,” defending Manu from persistent criticisms. He claimed that Mayawati began the disparagement of Manu, although he asserted she lacks comprehensive knowledge of the Manusmriti's contents. “What should I call those who abuse Manu? I hesitate to even call her sister,” he remarked, implying a low regard for her understanding of the text.
The controversy was further fueled when Rambhadracharya asserted that if Ambedkar had possessed knowledge of Sanskrit, he wouldn't have tried to burn the Manusmriti, embedding a critique of Ambedkar's historical actions into the discourse. “I can state with certainty that there is not a single word in the Manusmriti that opposes nation-building,” he added, interpreting the document as deeply linked to Indian cultural heritage.
Amidst the discussions, he emphasized the need for reforms in the Indian judicial system despite the 129 amendments to the Constitution thus far. “There is still a need for improvement in the justice system,” he remarked, addressing broader concerns regarding public welfare and the structures governing it.
The conference saw participation from prominent figures including Legislative Council Chairman Kunwar Manvendra Singh and other legislators. They discussed the new laws proposed in the Indian Judicial System while Rambhadracharya outlined his vision where the law should focus on protection for the innocent and punishment for the wicked. He defined justice not merely in terms of punishment but as the creation of a just society.
Rambhadracharya asserted that the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita should prioritize safeguarding the righteous and suppressing wrongdoing as fundamental components of its framework. He stated, “In the present scenario, conversations around justice should cater to the needs of the public,” suggesting that the judicial reforms must reflect the true essence of justice as perceived through historical perspectives.
The remarks made by Jagadguru may incite debate not only among political circles but also among academics who study India's legal and cultural history. Given the stature of Rambhadracharya within Hindu spiritualism, his comments are expected to resonate within the political and social spheres.
In a culture where perceptions of justice are evolving, the juxtaposition of antiquated texts like Manusmriti against contemporary demands for judicial reform creates a rich landscape for discussion. Rambhadracharya's position seeks to instill traditional interpretations while addressing current systemic failures, thus allowing for a dialogue bridging historical and contemporary thought.
Rambhadracharya’s multifaceted viewpoints reflect deeper societal sentiments towards historical texts and their roles in contemporary judicial discourse. The upcoming political responses may further reflect on how traditional beliefs can intersect with modern governance.
As discussions progress, it remains crucial to examine how interpretations of these texts influence policy making and societal norms. The balance between historical reverence and modern judicial requirements poses a unique challenge for lawmakers as they navigate the complexities of justice in contemporary Indian society.
