[BREAKING] “Lost All Confidence In The Independence Of The CJI”: Ex-ASG Indira Jaising | PM Modi At CJI’s Residence For Ganpati Puja Sparks Row

A controversy erupted after Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended Ganpati Puja celebrations at the residence of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) suggesting that it might raise doubts about judicial impartiality in the minds of the people. Hitting back at the opposition, the BJP said PM Modi’s visit was restricted to Ganpati Puja celebrations, and it was a “part of our culture”.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

NEW DELHI: A significant controversy has arisen following Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s attendance at the Ganpati Puja celebrations at the residence of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud. The event triggered political reactions, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) suggesting that such interactions might create doubts regarding the judiciary’s impartiality.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut expressed concerns, saying that the meeting between a “custodian of the Constitution” and political figures could raise questions in the public’s mind.

Raut also raised a specific concern about the ongoing case in which the Uddhav Thackeray camp is challenging the Maharashtra Speaker’s decision to recognize the Eknath Shinde-led faction as the real Shiv Sena.

He recommended that CJI Chandrachud should “recuse himself” from this case, as the Prime Minister is involved. Raut commented,

“Our case of Maharashtra… the hearing is going on before CJI Chandrachud, so we have doubts if we will get justice because the PM is the other party in the case. The Chief Justice should distance himself from this case because his relation with the other party in the case is openly visible. Will CJI Chandrachud be able to give us justice in such a situation?”

Raut took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight what he viewed as unfavorable rulings by the Supreme Court against the Opposition, listing cases such as the court’s suo motu cognisance of the Kolkata rape-murder case and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s bail hearing.

He stated,

“One should understand the chronology to understand all such cases.”

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also criticized the judiciary, sarcastically remarking,

“After the festivities are over, hopefully the 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. Oh wait, elections are round the corner anyway, it can be adjourned for another day.”

The controversy began when the Prime Minister attended the Ganpati Puja at CJI Chandrachud’s residence in Delhi.

The Chief Justice and his wife, Kalpana Das, welcomed PM Modi, who dressed in traditional Maharashtrian attire for the occasion.

‘Reckless Bid to Undermine CJI’s Credibility’

In response to the opposition’s criticism, Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora condemned the accusations, calling them “baseless aspersions” on the judiciary. He described the opposition’s move as a “dangerous precedent.”

Deora added,

“This reckless attempt to undermine the credibility of the CJI by the opposition is not only irresponsible but also damaging to the institution’s integrity.”

He further called the opposition’s remarks “unfortunate” and warned that attempts to tarnish CJI Chandrachud’s legacy were “against the nation’s best interests.”

BJP’s national secretary for organization, BL Santhosh, also attacked the opposition for politicizing the Prime Minister’s visit to the CJI’s residence.

He tweeted,

“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 (Supreme Court Bar Association) is not a moral compass. Take a deep breath once.”

This was a response to senior advocate Indira Jaising, who had called for the SCBA to condemn PM Modi’s visit. Jaising tweeted,

“Chief Justice of India has compromised the separation of powers between the executive and judiciary.”

Meanwhile, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh criticized Santhosh’s comments, arguing that they revealed the BJP’s use of “worship for political gains.”

Amit Malviya, head of the BJP IT cell, also reacted, accusing the “Congress and communist ecosystem” of double standards. He tweeted,

“The entire Congress and Communist ecosystem is in a twist after PM Modi attended Ganpati Poojan at CJI DY Chandrachud’s residence. The same suspects held it as an epitome of secularism when Dr Manmohan Singh hosted Iftar parties and then CJI would attend.”

The row continues to stir debates over the boundaries between political leadership and the judiciary, raising concerns about the implications for judicial impartiality and public trust.

BACKGROUND

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sept 11, participated in Ganesh Puja celebrations at the residence of Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud in Delhi. In a video shared from the event, CJI Chandrachud and his wife can be seen warmly welcoming the Prime Minister.

Later, Prime Minister Modi was observed performing the Aarti (a devotional ritual) to Lord Ganesha during the celebration.

The Ganesh festival, which spans 10 days, began in Maharashtra on Saturday. The festival holds particular significance for CJI Chandrachud, who hails from Maharashtra—a state where Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great enthusiasm.

Born and raised in Mumbai, Chandrachud’s early life and legal career were closely tied to the state, where he initially practiced at the Bombay High Court.

Chandrachud, an alumnus of Mumbai University, completed his LLB there before pursuing his LLM at Harvard Law School. His legal journey began in Maharashtra, a state known for its grand celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi, which starts on ‘Chaturthi‘ and concludes on ‘Anantha Chaturdashi‘ after ten days.

In addition to attending the puja, Prime Minister Modi also extended his heartfelt greetings to the nation on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. In a social media post, he chanted the holy prayer,

“Ganpati Bappa Morya,”

-expressing his warm wishes.

“Heartiest greetings of Ganesh Chaturthi to all countrymen. Ganpati Bappa Morya,”

-the Prime Minister tweeted.

President Droupadi Murmu also shared her greetings on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi. In her message, she emphasized the festival’s message of unity and brotherhood.

“On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all Indians living in India and abroad,”

-President Murmu said.

She further added,

“This festival of joy and enthusiasm gives the message of social harmony and brotherhood.”

The festival, which is celebrated with vibrant processions and elaborate decorations, carries a significant cultural and spiritual essence, especially in Maharashtra, where it is observed with great devotion.

Click Here to Read Previous Reports on PM Modi

Click Here to Read Previous Reports on CJI

FOLLOW US ON YOUTUBE FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES