Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud’s residence for Ganpati Puja has stirred concerns among political leaders and senior legal figures, who are questioning the implications for judicial transparency. The visit took place in New Delhi on Wednesday, where PM Modi, wearing a traditional Maharashtrian cap, joined the CJI and his wife in performing the Ganpati aarti and offering prayers.
Leaders from the Shiv Sena (UBT) and prominent Supreme Court lawyers voiced their apprehensions, particularly regarding a case involving the Maharashtra government that is currently being heard by the Chief Justice. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut expressed concerns about the meeting, stating that such interactions between political leaders and constitutional authorities could erode public trust in the judiciary.
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Raut suggested that CJI Chandrachud should consider recusing himself from the Maharashtra case to avoid any perception of bias. “The Prime Minister visited the Chief Justice’s residence, and they performed aarti together. Our concern is that when the custodians of the Constitution engage with political leaders in this manner, it raises doubts. Our case in Maharashtra is before the Chief Justice, and the Prime Minister is involved. We are worried about whether justice will be served,” Raut said.
He acknowledged that visiting homes during Ganpati Utsav is a common tradition, but pointed out that it was unclear how many residences the Prime Minister had visited during the festival. He also noted that there were several other celebrations taking place in Delhi, including at the Maharashtra Sadan.
PM Modi’s Visit to CJI Chandrachud’s Residence for Ganpati Puja
Opposition’s Reaction
Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also weighed in on the issue, posting on X (formerly Twitter). She expressed hope that once the festival concluded, the Chief Justice would prioritize resolving the ongoing hearings regarding Maharashtra’s political crisis. Chaturvedi wrote, “Okay. After the festivities are over hopefully CJI will deem fit and be slightly freer to conclude the hearing on Maharashtra and the blatant disregard of Article 10 of the Constitution. Oh wait, elections round the corner anyway, it can be adjourned for another day.”
This incident has sparked a broader conversation on the importance of maintaining judicial impartiality, particularly when constitutional authorities and political leaders are seen engaging in social events. As the case involving Maharashtra’s government continues, the opposition remains vigilant, voicing concerns about the judiciary’s ability to remain unbiased in politically sensitive cases.