The conspicuous absence of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who also serves as the Opposition Leader in the Lok Sabha, at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed as 51st Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, is nothing short of reprehensible. This disregard for a crucial constitutional event raises unsettling questions about the sincerity of the Congress Party’s self-professed commitment to upholding democratic values and institutions. Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly positioned himself as a champion of constitutional integrity, often accusing the ruling party of undermining the judiciary and other democratic institutions. Yet, his blatant decision to skip the swearing-in of the new Chief Justice tells a different story. The judiciary stands as the ultimate guardian of the Constitution, and to disrespect this vital institution by failing to honour such a significant event is a stark contradiction. This act of omission suggests not just indifference but a worrying disdain for a pillar of India’s democracy. The deeper question remains: What prompted this absence? Was it a deliberate snub aimed at Justice Khanna, who has only six months left in his tenure as Chief Justice? This seems to fit a pattern of selective respect shown by the Congress leadership toward the judiciary—applauding it only when rulings align with their political objectives. Could it be that certain verdicts, in which Justice Khanna played a key role on Constitution benches, did not favor the Congress’s interests? Adding fuel to this speculation is the Congress Party’s historical animosity toward the Khanna family. Justice Sanjiv Khanna’s father, Justice Dev Raj Khanna, once served as Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court and reportedly issued judgments unfavorable to Congress leaders. Furthermore, his uncle, Justice H.R. Khanna, famously dissented against the Emergency proclamation. One cannot ignore the uncomfortable possibility that past grudges and familial biases might have influenced the decision to stay away from the ceremony. This personal vendetta, if true, sets a dangerous precedent, revealing the Congress’s willingness to put political grievances above institutional respect.
This behaviour from the Opposition Leader not only insults the judiciary but also betrays the trust of millions of Congress loyalists who support the party despite its shifting ideological stances. For a party that prides itself on secularism and democratic principles, such actions erode credibility and deepen skepticism among its base. By disregarding constitutional decorum, Rahul Gandhi has sent a signal that the party’s commitment to democracy is conditional, perhaps even transactional. In a democratic setup like India, elected representatives—regardless of political affiliations—must uphold certain protocols and demonstrate respect for constitutional institutions. Whether in power or opposition, the duty to protect the sanctity of these institutions remains paramount. The Congress Party’s deliberate snub raises concerns about its commitment to this duty, especially when the stakes involve the judiciary, which stands as a bulwark against authoritarian overreach. Rahul Gandhi’s action is not merely a political statement; it reflects an erosion of democratic norms that should concern all citizens. In a time when trust in institutions is already fragile, leaders must rise above partisan politics and demonstrate respect for the very structures that uphold our republic. By choosing to play politics over principles, Rahul Gandhi may have scored a point with certain factions of his party, but it is the nation’s democratic fabric that stands weakened. Ultimately, the Congress leadership needs to reassess its priorities. If it truly wishes to safeguard the Constitution, it must begin by demonstrating respect for all its custodians, starting with the judiciary. Otherwise, its cries for democracy ring hollow, leaving us to wonder whether the party’s fight is truly for the people—or simply for power.