In his address during the foundation stone laying event of a new court building in Pune, Supreme Court Justice Abhay S Oka has called for a departure from religious rituals traditionally associated with judiciary-related ceremonies. 

His stance underscores a broader commitment to secularism and the core values enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

During the event, Justice Oka articulated a compelling argument for a secular approach to such occasions. He emphasized the importance of upholding the values embedded in the Constitution, particularly as India approaches the 75th anniversary of adopting its foundational document. 

Justice Oka drew attention to the Preamble's pivotal words - secularism and democracy - and stressed their centrality to the judicial system.

Addressing the attendees, which included eminent figures such as Justice BR Gavai Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay, and Justice Rvati Mohite Dere of the same High Court, Justice Oka asserted the need to replace religious rituals with a symbolic gesture of reverence to the Constitution. He proposed initiating events by bowing down to the Preamble, signaling a shift towards a more inclusive and secular approach.

Justice Oka's call for refraining from Pooja, Archana, or lamp lighting ceremonies during judiciary-related events reflects a deeper commitment to inclusivity and neutrality within the judicial system. He cited his past efforts during his tenure as Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court to curtail such practices, acknowledging the challenges but underscoring the importance of persisting in upholding constitutional values.

The response from fellow justices was largely supportive of Justice Oka's proposal. Justice Gavai endorsed the idea of marking the foundation with a spade instead of religious rituals, suggesting that inaugurating events by watering plants would align with environmental consciousness while sending a positive message to society.

In advocating for a secular approach to judiciary events, Justice Oka's remarks resonate beyond the confines of the ceremony itself. They reflect a broader commitment to upholding the principles of secularism and democracy enshrined in the Constitution.