'Strength of the Hijab' statue set to be unveiled in UK to celebrate women who wear Hijab
Smethwick (UK): A unique and striking sculpture titled 'Strength of the Hijab' is poised to adorn the streets of Smethwick later this year, making a global statement in celebration of women who choose to wear hijabs. This monumental work of art, believed to be the first of its kind worldwide, not only pays tribute to these women but also symbolizes their right to love and respect, regardless of their attire
Designed by artist Luke Perry, the 'Strength of the Hijab' stands an impressive five meters tall, weighing approximately one tonne. It is inscribed with a powerful message: 'It is a woman's right to be loved and respected whatever she chooses to wear,' encapsulating the core message and purpose of the sculpture.
The installation of this extraordinary artwork is scheduled for either October or early November near Brasshouse Lane. The initiative for this project comes from Legacy West Midlands, a registered charity dedicated to celebrating the rich heritage of post-war migrant communities in Birmingham.
Luke Perry, the creative mind behind this exceptional creation, shared his insights with the BBC, explaining, "The Strength of the Hijab is a piece which represents women who wear hijabs of the Islamic faith, and it's really there because it's such an underrepresented part of our community, but such an important one." Perry stressed the importance of visibility and inclusivity in our society.
This endeavor follows Perry's previous work, the 'Black British History is British History' sculpture, co-designed with Canaan Brown and installed in Winson Green in May. The previous sculpture faced defacement shortly after its installation. Nevertheless, Perry remains steadfast in his commitment to represent all facets of the UK's diverse community.
While acknowledging that 'Strength of the Hijab' may spark controversy, Perry firmly believes in the importance of unity and representation. Despite potential controversy, the initial response to the sculpture has been overwhelmingly positive, she added.
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BCI urges CJI to take action against Andhra HC judge for sending young lawyer to 24-hour custody
New Delhi (PTI): The Bar Council of India on Wednesday sought the urgent intervention of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant following a "deeply disturbing" incident where a judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court reportedly sent a young advocate to
24-hour judicial custody over a procedural lapse.
The Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairperson and senior advocate Manan Kumar Mishra, in a formal representation, termed the conduct of Justice Tarlada Rajasekhar Rao "grossly inappropriate" and "damaging to the confidence of the Bar".
“I most respectfully request your Lordship to kindly take immediate institutional cognizance of the matter and call for the video recording of the proceedings, the order passed, and the surrounding circumstances.
“I further request that appropriate administrative action may kindly be considered, including withdrawal of judicial work from the learned Judge pending review, his immediate transfer to some far off High Court, and his nomination for appropriate judicial training/orientation on court management, judicial temperament, Bar-Bench relations, and proportional exercise of contempt/judicial authority,” Mishra wrote.
This representation is made to preserve the “dignity, moral authority and public confidence of the judiciary”, he said, adding, “Judges command the highest respect not by fear, but by fairness, patience, restraint and constitutional humility”.
The communication urged the CJI to intervene at the earliest to ensure that the faith of Bar, particularly young advocates, in the protective and corrective role of the judiciary is restored.
The controversy stems from proceedings on May 5.
According to the BCI, a video circulating online shows Justice Rao rebuking a young advocate who was unable to produce a specific order copy during a hearing.
The letter said that despite the advocate "repeatedly seeking pardon and mercy" and claiming he was in physical pain, the judge remained "unmoved".
The judge allegedly told the lawyer, "now you will learn," and mocked his experience before directing the Registrar and police personnel to take him into custody for 24 hours.
The BCI chairperson said that the judge’s actions lacked proportionality and fairness.
"The dignity of the court is not enhanced when a lawyer is made to beg for grace in open court and is still sent to custody for a procedural lapse," the letter said.
"A young lawyer... is an officer of the Court, still learning, still growing, and entitled to correction without humiliation," it added.
The bar body said that such actions create a "chilling effect" on the legal fraternity, particularly among junior members, and undermine the mutual respect required between the Bench and the Bar.
