Supreme Court Judge Justice Abhay Oka has urged the legal fraternity to refrain from conducting religious rituals, particularly “Pooja” ceremonies, within court premises during events. He proposed inaugurating any legal event by bowing down before a copy of the Preamble to the Constitution. Justice Oka expressed this sentiment during the foundation laying event of a new court building in Pimpri-Chinchwad in Pune District on Sunday.
Highlighting the upcoming 75th anniversary of adopting the Constitution on November 26, Justice Oka emphasized the significance of the words “secular” and “democracy” in the Preamble. He urged a departure from traditional rituals, stating, “We need to start this new thing to respect our constitution and its values.”
Justice Bhushan Gavai, another Supreme Court Judge, supported Justice Oka’s suggestion, proposing alternative symbolic gestures such as marking the foundation with a spade or inaugurating events by watering plants. These actions, he believes, would convey positive messages to society, particularly in terms of environmental awareness.
During the bhoomi pujan of the new court building in Pimpri Chinchwad, Justices Bhushan R Gavai, Abhay Oka, and Prasanna B Varale of the Supreme Court, along with Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay of the Bombay High Court and High Court Judge Justice Rvati Mohite Dere, were present.
Justice Gavai emphasized the importance of ensuring speedy and affordable justice. He highlighted the growing backlog of bail matters in the Supreme Court, expressing concern about the challenges in obtaining bail even in district and high courts. Justice Gavai urged a reevaluation of the current system to address delays in granting bail and ensure a more efficient judicial process.
