CJI Surya Kant’s Holi-bhang remark in Allahabad case sparks laughter in court, divided reactions erupt online. Photo: ANI.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant drew mixed reactions online after a light-hearted remark made in open court while fixing a hearing date in Suresh Devi vs High Court of Judicature at Allahabad surfaced ahead of Holi.
While scheduling a matter from the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad, Chief Justice Kant suggested that the case be listed after the Holi break, and then extended it by an additional week.
In a humorous aside in Hindi, he said, “List it after Holi break. No no… list after that week also… Allahabad hai bhai… ek hafta toh lag jayega bhang ka nasha utarne mein.”
(“It’s Allahabad, brother… it will take at least a week for the effect of bhang to wear off.”)
The comment was made while correcting the date and was not part of any judicial order. Footage of the exchange, shared by legal news platform Bar and Bench ahead of Holi on March 3, 2026, showed courtroom laughter and cheers in response to the Chief Justice’s quip.
Bhang, a cannabis-based preparation, is traditionally consumed during Holi celebrations and remains legal in Uttar Pradesh during the festival period.
This year, Holi will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, while Holika Dahan falls on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The festival of colours is observed on Phalguna Purnima, the full moon night of the Hindu month of Phalguna.
However, according to Drik Panchang, a total lunar eclipse is scheduled to occur on the evening of March 3, directly affecting the religious calendar.
The remark triggered a wave of responses on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting sharply divided opinions.
One user, Radio Bakshi, wrote, “Thank God. We finally have a Chief Justice who sees reasons I pray he is followed by atleast 10 such CJI’s We will have a balanced legal system.”
Another user, @anushilansamiti, criticised the comment, “How is it that judges can have such loose tongue when acting holier than thou? That lawyer who said ‘this nation is burning against the judiciary’ is so damn right. Unaccountable, undemocratic structures are bound to become irrelevant.”
Advocate M, also posting on X, pointed out a legal detail, “Trivia: Under NDPS Act, 1985 – consumption of ‘Bhang’ is not made illegal.”
Meanwhile, another X user Pratyush Singh offered praise for the Chief Justice’s demeanour.
“He is undoubtedly the most based judge, forget CJI. He got a sense of humour that is much required in a serious and stressful profession like ours.😂”
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
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