Kapil Sibal criticized Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Chief Justice DY Chandrachud’s residence for Ganesh Puja, calling it “unfortunate.” The SCBA President stated that the Prime Minister should have avoided attending such an event, suggesting it could raise questions about propriety. He also speculated that the Chief Justice might not have been aware that the visit would be publicized.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president, Kapil Sibal, held a press conference on Thursday at his residence, expressing surprise and concern over a video showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing Ganesh Puja at the home of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud.
Sibal remarked that, even if no ulterior motive was involved, the event sends a wrong message to the public and undermines trust in institutions when high-ranking officials are seen in such settings.
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During the press conference, Sibal described the publication of the private event as “unfortunate” and said,
“It should have been best avoided.”
He further noted that the Prime Minister should not have shown interest in attending the event.
Sibal said,
“No public functionary, especially those in the highest offices, should publicize such a private event. I am sure the Chief Justice was not aware this would be publicized…it is unfortunate. The Prime Minister should not have shown interest in attending such a private event. Those advising him should have warned that it could send the wrong signal,”
Kapil Sibal expressed his surprise over the video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing Ganesh Puja at Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud’s residence, saying,
“I have been here for more than 50 years. I have known many judges, and I can say without doubt that the CJI is a person of great integrity. But I was really surprised.”
Sibal added that while there have been Maharashtrian CJIs in the past,
“In the context of Maharashtra elections, it was not appropriate for the Prime Minister to make a spectacle of a private event.”
He emphasized that the issue is about the perception it creates in people’s minds.
“If there is gossip around it, it is unfair to the institution. Public figures should not put themselves in a position where such gossip arises.”
Sibal further remarked,
“My religion and belief are private matters, not public ones. The photography and videography should not have been made public. This kind of exposure ignites unnecessary debate and harms institutions. Even if there is nothing behind it, it leads to speculation, which is detrimental.”
He also questioned,
“What message are you sending to the High Court and other courts in India?”
Sibal warned that this incident sends an unfortunate signal to the judiciary, especially as the courts are continuously deciding on issues related to the executive’s actions.
While addressing the media, Sibal urged them not to blow the issue out of proportion.
Also, CJAR issued a statement concerning the Prime Minister’s visit to the CJI’s residence, stressing that
“The judiciary, responsible for upholding the Constitution and delivering impartial justice, must remain fully independent from the Executive branch.”