CJI didn't actually ride high-end bike, flouted no rules, reveal officials

Chief Justice of India Sharad Bobde’s pictures on a high-end bike in the city have attracted a lot of attention on social media. While many used titles like “Rock Star” and “Stylish and Suave” to describe the CJI, the others questioned him for not wearing a helmet, a face mask and also overlooking Covid distancing norms.

Justice Bobde couldn’t be contacted, but officials from his office asserted that he did not flout any rules as being projected on social media.

“The CJI was on a morning walk on the Raj Bhavan premises when his close family friend, who deals in bikes, informed him about the arrival of the latest model of the popular Harley Davidson (limited edition CVO 2020) in the city. The bike was brought to Raj Bhavan for a demonstration by a representative of the company. The CJI inspected the bike and appreciated it. He didn’t even ride the motorcycle. He just sat on it,” officials, who didn’t want to be named, told TOI.

They added that the CJI was wearing a mask when he started out for his walk, but later, he removed it while inquiring about the bike.

“There’s no question of wearing the helmet as the CJI wasn’t riding the bike. If one carefully sees the picture, the bike was stationary and on the side stand. The CJI was simply sitting on it. The company’s representative explained the functioning of the bike to the CJI. During video conferencing, no one wears a mask as it creates hurdles while speaking. Even in minister level conferences, many don’t wear masks while talking for the same reason,” they said.

The CJI is in his hometown since the beginning of the summer vacation of the Supreme Court. He’s fond of bikes and cars. The Royal Enfield is his favourite. As a lawyer, he used to move around in luxury cars. According to his friends, the CJI also has a fascination for wildlife photography.

On Sunday, social media was also abuzz with various theories as the bike in question is registered in the name of a BJP leader. However, officials from the CJI’s office said that the entire incident had nothing to do with any political party as the Harley representative had brought the vehicle only for the purpose of demonstration.

“Instead of appreciating the privacy of an individual in his hometown, social media platforms and trolls have posted uncharitable comments without verifying facts. They have shown scant regard for the privacy of an individual who is holding a high constitutional position,” they said.

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