PM's Visit To CJI's Residence Should Have Been Avoided :Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal opined that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the residence of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud for Ganpati Puja should have been avoided. 

Sibal was addressing the media in the context of the controversy created by the PM's visit to the CJI's residence. Sibal said that he was "taken aback" when he saw the video clips.

"I have the great respect for the Chief Justice of India. I can say without any hesitation that he is a man of great personal integrity. But I was very surprised when I saw this clipping that was going viral." 

Clarifying that he was speaking in his personal capacity and not in the capacity as the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, Sibal said that he was concerned about the unnecessary speculations the meeting may create about the institution.

"This issue is not the individual, the issue is what impact such a clip has on the minds of people. And if there is gossip around it then it is not fair on the institution. You should not lend yourself in a situation, where people can gossip about the institution and start speculating" 

Sibal said that he has certain "issues on principles" and explained them as follows :

"No public functionary, whoever it may be, especially those who hold the highest office in the country, should publicize a private event. I am sure that the CJI may not have known that it was being publicized. That's sad.

The second thing is, the Prime Minister of India should not have shown interest to go to such a private event. Because the PM, those he would have consulted should, must have told him that this may send a wrong signal.

"My religion and my way of expressing myself in the context of my beliefs is a private affair. Therefore, there should be no videography or photography which are then allowed to be made public. That's just not on.  Especially in the context of people holding the highest positions in the country."

He added, "It sort of ignites a debate which is unnecessary and harmful to the institution. There might be nothing behind it, no motivation. But it will give rise to speculations, which is not good for the institution."

"The Court is deciding, day in and day out, issues relating to the Executive's actions in the highest court of the country. With this kind of viral clip circulated, then it may have implications, which are not fair to the individuals concerned and institutionally, they cause harm."  

Sibal also expressed concerns about the message this event will send to the judges in the High Courts and trial courts.

"Once you do this, what message do you send to those in the High Courts and judiciary functioning at various levels in the country. They also look upon these thing. Therefore, that sends a signal which is also unfortunate."

Sibal further urged the media not to wrongly sensationalize the incident-

"My view is, it was best it (PM-CJI meet at residence) should have been avoided. At the same time, I request, the media and individuals not to blow it out of proportion. Not to start speculating personal motives." 

He requested PM Modi to "not to make a spectacle of these kind of events."  

He added " There have been Maharashtrian Chief Justices in the past. There is going to be an election in Maharashtra. In that context, it was not the opportune time for the Prime Minister to have made a spectacle out of a private ceremony." 

Notably, PM Modi on his 'X' (formerly twitter) handle posted 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,"