Section 163 imposed in Gwalior after Ambedkar statue row:Ban on organising any event on Oct 15; notices served to 50, 260 social media posts removed
Tensions are rising in Gwalior after lawyer Anil Mishra made controversial remarks about Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, following disputes over his statue at the MP High Court’s Gwalior bench. Dalit groups have threatened strong protests on October 15, while upper-caste organisations have also announced plans to gather on the same day.
Last Updated: October 14, 2025
Gwalior police are monitoring social media, conducting mock drills, removing 260 inflammatory posts, issuing notices to over 50 people, and registering two FIRs against Mishra one in Gwalior and another in Maharashtra.
What the dispute is
Dispute over installing Dr. Ambedkar’s statue at MP High Court: Azad Samaj, Bhim Army, OBC Mahasabha, and some lawyers support it; another group of lawyers opposes it.
Lawyer Anil Mishra allegedly called Dr. Ambedkar a “slave-agent of the British” and a liar in a social media video, leading to FIRs.
Section 163 imposed
The district administration has imposed Section 163, banning protests, processions, and public ceremonies without permission. The Collector and SP held meetings with traders and local leaders, appealing for peace.
It was agreed that no programs will be held on October 15, while police have warned they will act strictly to maintain law and order.
No events allowed on October 15; strict action in place
Section 163 is in force; no programs or protests allowed without permission.
Collector Ruchika Chauhan and SSP Dharmveer Singh confirmed no events are planned on October 15.
Officials urged citizens to celebrate festivals and conduct business peacefully.
Cyber team is monitoring social media for inflammatory posts.
Committee members instructed to warn those posting provocative content to avoid legal action.
Police directed to take strict action if any unauthorized events occur; villages will also be monitored.
Public representatives contacted to maintain law and order.
Police meetings held at station level; locals assured cooperation to preserve peace and harmony.
Mock drill conducted to handle riots and disturbances
Police conducted a riot-control mock drill on Saturday at Bahodapur Police Lines.
Two separate teams took part, including forces from city police stations and police lines.
ASPs Vidita Dagar, Suman Gurjar, and Jairaj Kuber led the exercise along with all CSP teams.
During the drill, the mock protest group pelted stones at the police.
Police responded using tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Constable Santosh Singh was injured after a tear gas shell fragment hit his forehead.
He was taken to hospital and received two stitches.
Practice wearing riot gear, always keep kit in vehicle
During the riot parade, SSP Dharmveer Singh instructed all officers and personnel to keep riot kits in their vehicles and regularly practice cleaning and wearing them.
He said that under no circumstances should there be a situation where one has to rush to the police line or station for riot gear.
In May, lawyers snatched pipes from female police officers during the HC statue dispute
In May, lawyers snatched pipes from female police officers during the HC statue dispute
Dispute over Dr. Ambedkar statue at High Court
Tension over statue installation began in May 2025.
Senior and junior advocates of Gwalior High Court Bar argued over the issue.
On May 17, 2025, a clash occurred outside the High Court.
Former Bhim Army member Rupesh Ken, supporting junior advocates, was beaten by lawyers.
Several protests and clashes followed over the statue.
Installation of the statue was halted due to rising tension.
The statue was moved to sculptor Prabhat Rai’s workshop, 15 km from the city.
Two police personnel have been deployed to guard the statue.
On May 11, the Bar Association hoisted the tricolor at the proposed statue site.
Pushing and shoving occurred when police tried to stop the flag hoisting.
Bar Association President Pawan Pathak said the flag was hoisted in memory of ‘Operation Sindoor’.
Courtesy : Bhaskar English
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