CJI Defends PM Modi’s Visit for Ganpati Prayers

Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud recently addressed the controversy surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to his residence for Ganpati prayers. He emphasized that there is “nothing wrong” with such visits. Moreover, he called for a sense of maturity in the political sphere regarding these interactions.

Opposition Raises Concerns

Following the PM’s visit, opposition parties, particularly Congress, raised concerns. They questioned the propriety and the separation of powers between the judiciary and the executive. In contrast, the BJP dismissed these concerns as unwarranted, asserting that such visits are part of Indian culture.

Importance of Dialogue

At an event hosted by the Indian Express, CJI Chandrachud explained the necessity of dialogue between the judiciary and the executive. He stated, “The separation of powers concept does not postulate that judiciary and executive are antagonists.” In this regard, he emphasized that these interactions are vital for discussing administrative issues, such as budgeting and technology.

Assurance of Judicial Independence

Regarding the PM’s visit, CJI Chandrachud remarked, “The PM visited my residence for Ganpati puja. I do feel there is absolutely nothing wrong.” He underscored that these meetings do not influence judicial decisions; rather, they form part of the broader interaction between institutions. Consequently, he called for political maturity to understand these relationships, expressing confidence in the impartiality of judges. He added, “What the separation of powers postulates is that the judiciary should not be performing the role of the executive.”

Personal Faith and Impartiality

In addition, CJI Chandrachud identified himself as a “person of faith” who respects all religions. He clarified that his faith does not influence his judgments. For instance, he recounted praying for a solution to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir dispute, explaining that faith can help maintain calm amid conflict.

Views on Past Controversies

CJI Chandrachud also discussed the 2018 press conference held by four Supreme Court judges against former CJI Dipak Misra. He stressed the importance of institutional discipline while also allowing for dialogue. Furthermore, when speaking about his successor, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, he expressed confidence that the court would be in capable hands.

Light-hearted Remarks

In a light-hearted moment, CJI Chandrachud joked about the possibility of including the Leader of Opposition in the Ganesh Puja photo. He stated that it was not a selection committee for key appointments, thereby emphasizing the nature of social visits during significant occasions.

Addressing Delays in Bail Cases

Responding to concerns regarding delays in hearing the bail plea of former JNU student Umar Khalid in the Delhi riots case, CJI Chandrachud noted that the court prioritizes bail cases to ensure personal liberty. Notably, he mentioned that over 21,000 bail cases have been filed since he took office, with many already disposed of.

Commitment to Justice

Finally, CJI Chandrachud reaffirmed that judicial decisions are based on thorough evaluations of each case, regardless of media portrayals. In conclusion, he asserted his commitment to impartiality in granting bail across various cases, stating that “speaking for myself, I have granted bail from A to Z.”