Retired Justice Kaul Clarifies Viral Photo: “A Year-Old Diwali Picture,” Had Advised Saurabh Das to Keep His Language Restrained

Retired Supreme Court Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul has told the full story behind his viral photograph with Saurabh Das, co-convener of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Justice Kaul, who made headlines after his remarks on former Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, said the picture is about a year old, from the time of Diwali. He said Saurabh Das has met him on a few occasions.

What did Justice Kaul say about the photo?

In an interview to news agency ANI, answering a question related to the Election Commission, Kaul said social media has no accountability and anyone can say anything there. He said he is not on social media himself, but a photo of him can be put up and it will be claimed that he supports “this or that” ideology.

“I’ll meet for 10 minutes”

Asked to elaborate on the photo, he said it is from a year ago, when Saurabh Das was a journalist. He had met him a few times. Around Diwali, Das mentioned wanting to visit. Kaul was heading elsewhere, so he decided to meet for 10 minutes. He asked his wife to serve coffee and thought of seeing him off within 10 minutes.

What advice did he give on language?

Kaul clarified that he was not mentoring Das, but in a meeting or two he told him to keep his language restrained.

According to him, he belongs to a generation where conversational language was more civil and graceful.

He believes people should take a few steps back on language, because his generation was not used to such language and it often causes discomfort.

What did he say on advising CJP leaders?

Asked whether he would advise CJP leaders to tone down aggression, or whether it is sometimes necessary for bringing reform, Kaul said he would not give any advice, otherwise the next day’s headline would be that he is advising them.