New Delhi: Supreme Court judge Justice Kurian Joseph has declined to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dinner for top judges tonight on the ground that the event and the ongoing judges conference clashed with Good Friday and Easter weekend.
Justice Joseph, who has earlier raised objections with Chief Justice of India HL Dattu over holding of a three-day long judges conference during holy weekend for Christians, has written a letter to the prime minister explaining his stand and also questioning holding such meetings on holy days.
In his April 1 letter to the PM, he has thanked the prime minister for the invitation for dinner at his residence.
"I regret my inability to attend the event as the Conference coincides with the Good Friday ceremonies. Good Friday is a day of great religious significance to us, marking the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ."
"Thus, it is customary for us to be part of the religious and other ceremonies with the parents, elders and other family members during the holy weekend. Hence I would be in Kerala during those days."
Further in the letter, Justice Joseph said he has taken the liberty to express a few concerns, which he felt required the prime minister's consideration.
"Irrespective of the religion, Diwali, Holi, Dussehra, Eid, Bakrid, Christmas, Easter etc. are great days of festival celebrations in the neighbourhood. Your good self would kindly appreciate that no important programmes are held during sacred and auspicious days of Diwali, Dussehra, Holi, Eid, Bakrid etc., though we have holidays during that period as well," he said
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