The photo of the judge with CJP activist Saurav Das, taken at a Diwali gathering last year, has been used by some to suggest a close relationship, a claim the judge refutes.
Das, a former legal journalist, joined the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) led by Abhijeet Dipke, and has been active in protests against the Election Commission and the NEET paper leak that forced Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign.
In an interview with ANI on October 28, 2026, Kaul said he had met Das only a couple of times, and the photo was a casual meeting at a festive event. He added that he had advised Das to tone down his language but never mentored him.
The controversy has drawn attention from media, with ANI reporting Kaul's clarification; the CJP has not issued any formal response.
The judge’s denial may influence public perception of judicial neutrality, and media outlets continue to analyse the incident for its broader implications.