SC Judges push Constitutional values over religious rituals, oppose ‘Bhoomi Poojan,’ call for shift from ‘Puja Archana’

Supreme Court Justice Abhay S. Oka has sparked debate by advocating against performing religious rituals on judiciary premises. Speaking at a “Bhoomi Poojan” ceremony in Pune’s district court for the inauguration of new buildings, Justice Oka emphasised the adoption of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s constitutional principles over religious practices. His remarks follow a recent call by former Supreme Court Justice K Joseph to discard the Supreme Court’s motto, prompting introspection within the judiciary regarding its alignment with secular principles.

Supreme Court Justice Abhay S Oka’s call for the judiciary to eschew religious rituals reverberated within legal circles as he addressed attendees at a “Bhoomi Poojan” ceremony held in Pune’s district court premises on March 4, 2024, and sparked massive controversy. The ceremony marked the inauguration of new buildings within the Pune district court complex and drew attention to the intersection of religious observance and constitutional principles within the judicial system.

During his address, Justice Oka underscored the importance of prioritising core constitutional values advocated by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar over religious customs. He asserted that rituals such as “Pooja” or “Archana” have no place in judicial proceedings, advocating instead for the solemnisation of events with reverence to the Preamble of the Constitution. “We need to start this new thing to respect our constitution and its value,” he emphasised, signalling a departure from traditional religious observances.

The event witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries from the legal fraternity, including Supreme Court judges Justice BR Gavai and Justice Prasanna B Varale, Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay, and Guardian Justice of Pune Justice Revati Mohite Dere. Notably, Justice Gavai expressed his endorsement of Justice Oka’s stance, lauding it as a commendable suggestion that aligns with contemporary societal values.

In a departure from customary practices, Justice Gavai proposed inaugurating events with symbolic gestures reflecting environmental consciousness, such as marking the foundation with a spade and watering plants. He echoed Justice Oka’s sentiment, emphasising the need to move away from rituals tied to specific religions in favor of inclusive practices that resonate with broader societal concerns.

Furthermore, Justice Gavai invoked the legacy of Ramshastri Prabhune, a historical figure known for his courage and impartiality, to underscore the judiciary’s responsibility in dispensing justice fearlessly. He lamented the prevailing reluctance in granting bail, urging fellow judges to embody Prabhune’s principles of integrity and fairness.

Justice Oka’s remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of the judiciary’s adherence to secular principles, following former Justice K Joseph’s recent critique of the Supreme Court’s motto. Joseph’s suggestion to reevaluate the motto in light of its divergence from the national ethos has spurred introspection within the legal community regarding the judiciary’s role in upholding secular values.

In a previous seminar, Justice Joseph drew parallels between the Catholic Church and the Preamble of India, emphasising their inclusive nature and the unifying force they represent. His remarks underscored the judiciary’s evolving understanding of secularism and its commitment to fostering a pluralistic society reflective of India’s diverse cultural fabric.