A society once proud of its pluralism now risks losing its soul to propaganda and polarisation.
II IS INDEED very distressing that there is an increasing tendency in our society toward intolerance, particularly concerning religious issues. Although such sentiments have been brewing over the past few decades, recent years have witnessed an escalation that could lead to serious consequences.
The attack on the Chief Justice of India, B.R. Gavai, in the Supreme Court by a senior advocate is the latest instance of this growing intolerance and a direct consequence of political attempts to keep the communal pot simmering.
Troll armies had launched a campaign against the Chief Justice over a stray remark he made during the hearing of a petition. Although he clarified that he holds all religions in high esteem, social media was flooded with disparaging comments against the Chief Justice, who happens to be a Dalit.
The campaign might have been expected to sway a section of impressionable youth, but the reprehensible act was committed by a septuagenarian senior lawyer who showed no qualms about his actions, even after the Supreme Court chose not to proceed against him.
This virus of intolerance has seeped so deeply into our society that even the so-called educated and those well past their youth get worked up over trivial comments and display their insecurity through such actions.
This normalization of physical attacks, particularly on religious grounds, is extremely dangerous.
It was commendable that the Prime Minister spoke to the Chief Justice and condemned the attack. He said the attack had “angered every Indian” and that there is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society.
“It is utterly condemnable. I appreciate the calm displayed by Justice Gavai in the face of such a situation. It highlights his commitment to the values of justice and strengthens the spirit of our Constitution,” he tweeted.
Spoke to Chief Justice of India, Justice BR Gavai Ji. The attack on him earlier today in the Supreme Court premises has angered every Indian. There is no place for such reprehensible acts in our society. It is utterly condemnable.
I appreciated the calm displayed by Justice…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 6, 2025
It would have been better if his party spokespersons had signaled to the troll armies, who take their cue from them, to refrain from attacking the Chief Justice. However, these spokespersons make no effort to mask their communal outlook in their comments. They add fuel to the fire by making toxic remarks that provide implicit signals to their social media handlers.
Until the Prime Minister intervened, a section of social media witnessed disturbing celebrations by Hindutva supporters who justified the attack on the CJI as a legitimate response to perceived “anti-Hindu” remarks.
This normalization of physical attacks, particularly on religious grounds, is extremely dangerous.
There have been several instances of mobs lynching suspects for allegedly carrying beef (even though it was later found to be mutton), threatening and beating people for practicing their religion in public, and forcing them to raise slogans.
A recent instance of such intolerance occurred in Bareilly, where a banner simply proclaiming “I love Mohammad” led the authorities to remove it, provoking angry protests by a section of youth. These youth took to the streets, shouting, “Yogi ji lath uthao, hum aapke saath hain.”
The increasing polarization is a result of continued efforts to vitiate social harmony for political gain. There is a well-known Hindi proverb: “बोया पेड़ बबूल का, तो आम कहाँ से खाएं।”
It is high time political leaders refrain from communalizing and dividing society. Such indoctrination, combined with rising unemployment, creates a highly combustible recipe for serious trouble.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat must be lauded for his recent caution against “division” in society on the grounds of caste, creed, or religion.
Moahn Bhagwat
Calling social unity the foundation of national strength during his Vijayadashami Day speech, he underlined that India’s diversity of language, faith, caste, and lifestyle must not become a source of division. “Despite our distinct identities, we are one nation,” he said.
Urging restraint and harmony, he added, “Taking the law into one’s hands or provoking communities is not correct. The government must act according to law, but society too must remain vigilant and responsible.”
We must fervently pray that his advice is taken seriously by his colleagues and his own followers. 
________
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Vipin Pubby
The author, a freelance journalist, is a former Resident Editor of Indian Express, Chandigarh, and reported on the political developments in Jammu and Kashmir, North-Eastern India, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab in his long, illustrious career.
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