'Unfortunate': Kapil Sibal On PM Modi's Visit To CJI DY Chandrachud's Home For Ganesh Puja

SCBA President said that the Prime Minister should not have shown interest in going to such an even and maybe the Chief Justice was not aware that this was being publicised.

Kapil Sibal said that he can say without any doubt that CJI is a person with great integrity, but, he was really surprised.

Source : PTI

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Kapil SIbal on Thursday addressed a press conference at his residence and said he was surprised and taken aback by the video showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi performing Ganesh Puja at Chief Justice Of India DY Chandrachud's home. Speaking to the media, Sibal said that even if there is nothing behind it, it sends a wrong signal to people of the country and harms the institutions when public functionaries in such high positions are seen like that.

While speaking at the press conference, Sibal said that the publication of a private event was unfortunate and "it should have been best avoided."  He further said that the Prime Minister of India should not have shown interest in such an event.

"No public functionary, especially those who hold the highest offices in country, should make public such a private event...I am sure, that maybe the Chief Justice was not aware that this was being publicised...it is unfortunate...Prime Minister of India should not have shown interest in going to such a private event. Those he consulted might have told him that this may send a wrong signal," Sibal said. 

He further said that he was taken aback by the video, "I have been here for more than 50 years. I have seen many judges, I can say without any doubt that CJI is a person with great integrity, But, I was really surprised."

"There have been Maharashtrian CJIs in the past as well...In the context of elections of Maharashtra it was not right of the PM to make such a spectacle of a private event," Sibal remarked.

Sibal said that the issue is about the impression on the minds of people. "Because, if there is gossip around it, then it is unfair to the institution...You should not lend yourself to a situation that makes people gossip about the situation."

Sibal further said, "my religion and belief is a private matter and not a public matter, the photography and videography should not be made public. This ignites debate which is unnecessary and harmful for institutions. There may be nothing behind it, but it causes speculation, which is not good for the institution." 

He asked, "What message are you sending to the high court and other courts in India?" Sibal said that this sends a signal to high courts and other courts as well, which is unfortunate.

Sibal further added that the court is deciding day in and day on issues relating to actions of the executive and such an incident creates doubt in the minds of people. However, he requested the media to not blow the issue out of proportion.