Justice Abhay S. Oka Urges Sitting Judges to Avoid Events Linked to Political Leanings

Retired Supreme Court Justice Abhay S. Oka said that sitting judges should decline invitations from the Adhivakta Parishad due to its perceived political affiliations.

Speaking at an event titled “Robes Cannot Be Rented,” he stressed that judges must maintain institutional neutrality to preserve public confidence in the judiciary.

He added that while constitutional limits apply to sitting judges, even retired judges should exercise restraint to uphold judicial dignity.

Justice Oka also flagged systemic concerns such as denial of bail, prolonged pre-trial detention, and low judge-to-population ratios, which continue to affect the efficiency and credibility of the justice system.