The Bar Association of India (BAI) has expressed concern and dismay over the use of "effusive terms of praise and adulation" by Supreme Court Judge Justice Arun Mishra for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying such an act served to dilute the perception of impartiality and independence of the judiciary.
It is a foundational obligation of the judges to maintain a discreet and dignified distance from the executive branch of the government, it said.
BAI President Lalit Bhasin said in a statement on Tuesday that such act also diminishes the confidence of the public as the judges of the apex court are expected to decide cases against the executive branch while upholding constitutional principles and the Rule of Law as paramount.
"The executive committee of the Bar Association of India is deeply concerned and dismayed by certain statements made by Justice Arun Mishra, Judge, Supreme Court of India, as part of his vote of thanks address in the International Judicial Conference..., Bhasin said.