Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud’s residence for Ganpati Puja has stirred a debate, with opposition leaders raising concerns about the judiciary’s independence. They questioned the propriety of such a visit and its impact on the transparency of the judicial system. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defended the visit, framing it as part of Indian cultural and religious traditions.

Opposition Criticizes the Visit

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi was among those to criticize the visit. In a post on social media platform X, she wrote, “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 in Maharashtra.” She seemed to question the timing of the judiciary’s actions, linking it with the upcoming elections.

BJP Leader Defends Modi’s Visit

BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla responded strongly to these comments. In a video statement, he said, “The most shocking, despicable, and deplorable comment has been made by Priyanka Chaturvedi… Her claim that Prime Minister Modi’s visit to CJI Chandrachud’s house is influencing judiciary decisions is nothing short of contempt of court.” He emphasized that Modi’s visit was a cultural gesture, and accused the opposition of politicizing a religious occasion.

Reference to Past Events

Poonawalla also pointed out instances from the past where similar social gatherings took place, sharing a picture of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh attending an Iftar party with then-CJI KG Balakrishnan. He questioned why the opposition only had an issue with the Ganpati Puja visit and not with other religious celebrations.

BJP Hits Back at Congress

BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra took the opportunity to attack Congress, particularly targeting Rahul Gandhi’s meetings with controversial figures. He contrasted this with Modi’s Ganpati Puja visit, stating, “If the Prime Minister is meeting the CJI, you have a problem, but if you are meeting anti-national people in the US, then there is no problem.”

BJP‘s General Secretary B L Santhosh responded to opposition, “The crying has begun!!! Civility, cordiality, togetherness, and being fellow travelers on the nation’s journey are all intolerable to these left liberals. Also, this was not just socializing but a devoted Ganapathi Puja, which seems difficult for them to accept. The SCBA is not a moral authority. Take a deep breath.”

रोना शुरू हो गया !!!! Civility , cordiality , togetherness , co travellers in nations journey are all an anathema to these left liberals. Also it was not socialising but a devoted Ganapathi Pooja is very hard to digest. SCBA is not a moral compass. Take deep breath once . https://t.co/xTK3ZKj2xL

— B L Santhosh (@blsanthosh) September 12, 2024

Opposition Voices Concerns

Senior advocate Indira Jaising was one of several legal professionals to voice concern over the visit. In a post, she said, “Chief Justice of India has compromised the separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary.” She called for the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) to publicly condemn the visit, claiming it undermined the independence of the judiciary.

Prashant Bhushan, a senior Supreme Court lawyer, echoed these concerns. He noted that such meetings send a “bad signal” to the judiciary, which should be tasked with protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring the government operates within the bounds of the Constitution.

CJI’s Participation in Puja

In the midst of the controversy, a video surfaced showing CJI Chandrachud and his wife welcoming Modi into their home for the Ganpati Puja. Following the event, PM Modi shared a message on X, expressing his gratitude and wishing for happiness and prosperity for all.

Opposition Continues Criticism

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut also weighed in, accusing the judiciary of bias. He referred to several recent cases where the judiciary ruled against opposition leaders, questioning the impartiality of these decisions. “The Prime Minister chose to visit the Chief Justice’s residence… which has raised doubts and questions over the entire judiciary,” Raut said.

संविधान के घर को आग लगी
घरके चिरागसे….
१) EVM को क्लीन चीट
२) महाराष्ट्र में चलरही संविधान विरोधी सरकार के सुनवाई पर ३ सालसे तारीख पे तारीख
३) प. बंगाल बलात्कर मामले मे suemoto हस्तक्षेप लेकीन
महाराष्ट्र रेप कांड का जिकर नहीं.
४) दिल्ली मुख्यमंत्री केजरीवाल के
bail पर तारीख पे… https://t.co/jzVpQqDQh3

— Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) September 11, 2024

In conclusion, PM Modi’s visit to CJI Chandrachud’s residence for Ganpati Puja has triggered a political storm, with opposition parties questioning the optics and timing of the event, while the BJP defends it as a cultural and religious tradition.