Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud defended Prime Minister Modi’s visit for Ganpati prayers, emphasizing the importance of dialogue between the judiciary and executive. He called for political maturity and public trust, clarifying that such interactions support, rather than undermine, the separation of powers. CJI highlighted the necessity of communication on broader issues.
New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud recently addressed concerns surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to his residence for Ganpati prayers. Speaking at an Indian Express event, CJI Chandrachud clarified that “there was nothing wrong” with the visit, emphasizing the importance of maturity and trust within the political and judicial domains. He highlighted that interactions between the judiciary and the executive are part of an “inter-institutional mechanism,” which respects the principle of separation of powers without precluding dialogue.
The Prime Minister’s visit for Ganpati celebrations sparked criticism from opposition parties and a section of the legal community, who questioned the appropriateness of such a meeting between the executive and judiciary. Congress, leading the criticism, raised concerns about the perceived breach of separation of powers, a principle central to India’s democratic framework. The BJP, however, dismissed the criticisms as baseless, calling the visit a natural part of Indian cultural and social practices.
Dialogue Between Judiciary and Executive is Essential
Chief Justice Chandrachud asserted that “the separation of powers does not mean that the judiciary and executive are antagonistic” or avoid interaction. He explained that regular meetings between judges and the executive branch are common, especially in the context of budgetary discussions, infrastructure needs, and technological advancements. Such dialogues, he noted, are integral to maintaining a functioning judicial system and addressing administrative matters.
“The Prime Minister visited my residence for Ganpati puja. I do feel, there is absolutely nothing wrong as these are continuing meetings between the judiciary and the executive even at the social level,” the CJI shared. He added that meetings at Republic Day celebrations, Rashtrapati Bhavan gatherings, and other formal events foster communication between the judiciary and executive. Importantly, CJI Chandrachud underscored that these discussions never involve the cases pending before the court, but rather focus on broader social and administrative matters.
A Call for Political Maturity and Public Trust in Judiciary
CJI Chandrachud, who will soon retire on November 10, emphasized the need for a “sense of maturity in the political system” when it comes to understanding interactions between government institutions. He urged for public trust in the judicial system, reminding critics that “the work we do is evaluated by our written word” and that every decision the court makes is subject to public scrutiny.
Highlighting the clear boundaries between the judicial and executive roles, he clarified that “the judiciary should not be performing the role of the executive” in policy-making, while “the executive does not decide the cases.” Thus, the dialogue between the judiciary and executive, especially concerning the careers and lives of judiciary members, remains a necessary administrative exercise, completely separate from the judicial processes involved in decision-making on cases.
CJI on Faith and Social Media’s Role
Addressing previous remarks that stirred debate, CJI Chandrachud touched on his statement about praying for a peaceful resolution to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir dispute. His words, he explained, stemmed from personal faith and were shared during a community event in his village. Calling himself a “person of faith” who respects all religions, he pointed to “the problem of social media” in taking statements out of context.
Referring to his experience adjudicating the Ayodhya dispute, he recounted, “I sat before the deity and told him he needs to find a solution.” The Chief Justice’s comments highlighted how social and digital platforms can misinterpret personal sentiments, especially regarding sensitive cases.
As CJI Chandrachud prepares to leave office, his call for political maturity and respect for institutional dialogues remains a significant reminder of the roles and responsibilities each branch of government holds within India’s democracy.
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