Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal on Thursday expressed concern over the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the residence of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud for Ganpati Puja giving way to a variety of speculations, in the backdrop of state elections in Maharashtra by this year-end.
Addressing the media over the meeting, Sibal clarified that he was speaking in his personal capacity and not in the capacity of the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA).
Calling CJI Chandrachud a man of great personal integrity, the Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court said he had great respect for the Chief Justice of India. However, he was ‘taken aback’ by the video clips going viral on social media.
He said the issue was not about an individual, but about the impact such a clip could have on the minds of people.
Stating that he was sure the CJI may not have known that the event was being publicised, Sibal said CJI Chandrachud should not have lent himself in a situation, where people could gossip about the institution.
No public functionary, especially those holding the highest office in the country, should publicise a private event, he added.
Sibal further targeted the Prime Minister of India for attending a private event. He said PM Modi must have consulted some people before making the visit, who would have told him that this may send a wrong signal.
As per Sibal, a person’s religion and his way of expressing himself in the context of his beliefs was a private affair. No videography or photography should have been allowed and the event should not have been made public, especially in the context of people holding the highest positions in the country.
It sort of ignited a debate, which was unnecessary and harmful to the institution. There might be nothing behind it, no motivation. But it gave rise to speculations, which was not good for the institution, he added.
Day in and day out, issues related to the Executive’s actions were discussed in the highest court of the country. The circulation of this kind of viral clip may have implications, which were not fair to the individuals concerned and may cause harm institutionally as well, Sibal noted.
He further said that this would send a wrong message to the judges in the High Courts and trial courts.
Speaking about the role of media in sensationalising the issue, he said the visit of PM Modi at CJI Chandrachud’s residence must have been avoided in the first place. At the same time, the media and individuals should not to blow it out of proportion. Not to start speculating personal motives, added the senior lawyer.
Sibal further requested PM Modi not to make a spectacle of these kind of events.
He said in view of impending elections in Maharashtra by the end of 2024, it was an opportune time for the Prime Minister to make a spectacle out of a private ceremony.
PM Modi had posted on his X (formerly twitter) handle the aarti ceremony along with the caption- “Joined Ganesh Puja at the residence of CJI, Justice DY Chandrachud Ji. May Bhagwan Shri Ganesh bless us all with happiness, prosperity and wonderful health.”