Powerful reasons alone can cause a change in the portfolio of a high-profile minister. Kiren Rijiju, the former Union law minister, has now been given the task of looking after earth sciences instead. Mr Rijiju has been best known for his unflagging criticism of the collegium system of judges’ appointments; according to him, not senior judges but the government should be appointing and transferring judges. That Mr Rijiju was representing the Narendra Modi-led government’s opinion was seldom in doubt. The micro-managing propensities of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s high command also suggested that his increasingly confrontational rhetoric — calling some unnamed retired judges part of the ‘anti-India gang’, for instance — probably had his superiors’ approval. After all, his remarks ran parallel to the vice-president’s. The sudden change of portfolio, with little preparation and no explanation, therefore, has prompted speculation that the government may be looking for a less abrasive relationship with the Supreme Court at the present time. The imminence of the Lok Sabha elections could be one reason to smooth matters with the higher judiciary. Mr Rijiju’s replacement, Arjun Ram Meghwal, made it clear that there would be no confrontation with the courts, and the relationship between the executive and the judiciary would remain cordial, constitutional and within the laid-down boundaries.

Since it is difficult to believe that either Mr Rijiju or Mr Meghwal would exceed his brief, the latter’s statement indicates a desire to change the impression the government has so far given regarding the judiciary. Mr Rijiju’s aggression made no dent in the judiciary’s stand, neither did it ruffle the dignity of its seniormost members; hence that route is no longer viable. At least, not for the moment. Removing the minister tasked with scathing remarks and giving him a comparatively less important ministry may change public perception and suggest the government’s shift in attitude. Mr Modi and his men seem to have an unshakeable faith in optics. The situation also offered the scope to bestow on Mr Meghwal, a Dalit from Rajasthan and minister of state for culture and parliamentary affairs, independent charge of the law ministry before elections in Congress-ruled Rajasthan. It is a rare responsibility for a junior minister, especially since the government does not lack suitable candidates. Perhaps the high command is making the best of a not-too-successful job.