CJI Bobde Seems Pretty Badass on that Harley. But Where’s the Mask?

It’s unusual for the country’s top judge to trend in a matter not related to the court. On Monday, Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde caught the nation’s attention when pictures of him riding a limited edition black Harley Davidson went viral.

The photo was reportedly taken in his hometown Nagpur. He is seen wearing a tee shirt, riding a hunky bike, surrounded by people.

Chief Justice of India SA Bobde trying out Harley Davidson. (Harley Davidson Limited edition CVO 2020) @harleydavidson #SupremeCourt pic.twitter.com/6bDv0g4n2P

— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) June 28, 2020

The 64-year-old is said to be a motorbike enthusiast. But no one thought the judge was so badass!

#ChiefJustice of India Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde can not hide his love for #motorbikes specially when he is in Nagpur . Last year Justice Bobde fell off while testing @harleydavidson which fractured his ankle . pic.twitter.com/01JuEkZpra

— Pradeep Rai (@pradeepraiindia) June 29, 2020

The internet was truly thrilled.

Liked this Avatar of our Chief Justice Sri Bobde .. Stylish and suave.. #rockstar pic.twitter.com/Oh7KyWv2JG

— Rahul Easwar (@RahulEaswar) June 28, 2020

One user entertained the idea of CJI Bobde being part of a bike gang called “riders for justice”.

#ChiefJustice of India Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde can not hide his love for #motorbikes specially when he is in Nagpur . Last year Justice Bobde fell off while testing @harleydavidson which fractured his ankle . pic.twitter.com/01JuEkZpra

— Pradeep Rai (@pradeepraiindia) June 29, 2020

This new side of Justice Bobde indeed came as a surprise. After all, it’s not every day that you see the country’s senior-most judge showing little regard for the rules – a fact that was not lost on tweeters.

Many, in complete awe of CJI Bobde’s “super cool” avatar, couldn’t help but notice the lack of mask on the man who is “an example for others to follow”.

Chief Justice Of India (CJI) S A Bobde in a new Avatar with Harley Davidson mobike is super cool, but, where is the mask, My Lord!? Pls forgive me for asking this question, as you are an example for others to follow. pic.twitter.com/tP57pnfqlp

— Suchitra Mohanty (@SuchitraMohant1) June 28, 2020

Others asked pertinent questions: Where’s the helmet, milord? What about social distancing?

Coolest Avatar…but a wrong message from a person who is holding one of the most highly respected post in India.

Saddened to say that Hon’ble CJI SAHAB was not wearing mask, helmet and also not maintaining adequate social distancing, which conveys a wrong msg to society.

— राष्ट्रहित_सर्वोपरि (@swaraj_rakshak) June 28, 2020

Some wondered if the CJI was above the law.

Hello @DGPMaharashtra and @trafficngp CJI Bobde not wearing helmet while driving bike and also not wearing mask. Will any action would be taken according to IPC 188? Or laws are meant for only poors? pic.twitter.com/YyupGge89h

— Prashant Kanojia (@PJkanojia) June 28, 2020

TMC MP and Lok Sabha member Mahua Moitra wasn’t impressed.

Nothing macho about posing on a motorbike – real machismo is standing up for justice

— Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) June 29, 2020

It was also alleged that the pictured Harley Davidson Limited edition CVO2020 was registered under BJP leader Sonba Musale’s son Rohit Sonbaji Musale’s name.

CJI rides a 50 Lakh motorcycle belonging to a BJP leader at Raj Bhavan Nagpur, without a mask or helmet, at a time when he keeps the SC in Lockdown mode denying citizens their fundamental right to access Justice! pic.twitter.com/PwKOS22iMz

— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) June 29, 2020

However, according to NDTV, the bike was brought to CJI Bobde by a Harley Davidson dealer for a demo. It is also said that the judge had been wearing a mask and only took it off to pose with the bike.

Did CJI really take the rules for a ride? The verdict is split.