The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a sharp rebuke on Friday targeting New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for a personal letter he wrote to incarcerated student activist Umar Khalid. The ministry stated that expressing personal prejudices is unbecoming of those holding public office.
MEA's Firm Defence of Judicial Independence
Addressing the media, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised the expectation that public representatives in other democracies should respect judicial independence. "We expect public representatives to be respectful of the independence of judiciary in other democracies. Expressing personal prejudices do not behove those in office," Jaiswal asserted.
He further suggested that instead of making such comments, it would be more appropriate for officials to concentrate on their entrusted responsibilities. This reaction marks a significant diplomatic pushback from India concerning foreign commentary on its domestic legal processes.
The Content of the Controversial Letter
The handwritten note from Mayor Mamdani, which sparked the controversy, was shared on social media platform X by Khalid's partner, Banojyotsna Lahiri, last week. This occurred after Mamdani's swearing-in ceremony in a midnight event.
In the undated letter, Mamdani wrote, "Dear Umar, I think of your words on bitterness often, and the importance of not letting it consume oneself. It was a pleasure to meet your parents. We are all thinking of you." The letter referenced a meeting with Khalid's family.
Family Meeting and International Attention
Khalid's father, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, revealed to the Times of India that the family met Mayor Mamdani in early December last year during a visit to the United States. Ilyas stated they sought time to congratulate Mamdani on his appointment and discussed his son's incarceration for about half an hour.
"He gave us time exclusively and we discussed many things, including Umar’s incarceration. We also spoke about what has been happening to my son and the developments around his case. Mamdani said he follows it and has read Umar’s letters from jail," Ilyas recounted.
Khalid, a former JNU student leader, was arrested in September 2020 under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). He faces charges of allegedly conspiring to incite the Delhi riots, accusations he has consistently denied. He was granted temporary bail in December to attend his sister's wedding.
Banojyotsna Lahiri commented on the situation, stating, "This prolonged incarceration itself is unjust, and that is why it has attracted international attention." The MEA's strong statement underscores India's position against what it perceives as external interference in its judicial matters, framing the issue around the principles of sovereignty and respect for legal institutions.
