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The recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a private puja ceremony, attended by the Chief Justice of India (CJI), has sparked controversy and raised concerns about ethical conduct and the separation of powers in India. Veteran lawyer Kapil Sibal, known for his outspoken critiques, has expressed his strong disapproval of the event, particularly its public dissemination. He argues that such gatherings should remain private and not be subject to public scrutiny, especially for individuals holding high-ranking positions like the President, Prime Minister, and the CJI.
Sibal's primary concern revolves around the principle of maintaining a clear distinction between public and private life for those in positions of power. He emphasizes that the public has a right to know about the official activities of their leaders but not their personal engagements. The public dissemination of the puja visit, he believes, blurs this line and could potentially undermine the public's perception of these institutions. He suggests that the CJI may not have been aware of the event's publicity, but even so, the Prime Minister should have refrained from participating, as it could be misconstrued as a blurring of lines between political and judicial spheres.
Sibal's concerns extend beyond the optics of the event. He points out that the Prime Minister's presence at a private puja ceremony could send a message of political influence on the judiciary, potentially undermining public trust in the legal system. This is particularly sensitive considering the ongoing debates about the relationship between the executive and judicial branches in India. Sibal argues that the Prime Minister's advisors should have advised him against attending such an event, as it could lead to perceptions of impropriety and compromise the public's faith in the impartiality of the judiciary.
Source: Harmful to institution; CJI may not have known PM Modi puja visit would be publicised: Kapil Sibal