PM Modi’s visit to CJI’s house raises questions about the judiciary’s independence.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud’s residence and participated in Ganesh puja celebrations on Wednesday.
Wearing a traditional Maharashtrian cap, PM and CJI along with his wife were seen performing aarti and offering prayers.
Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said such interactions could undermine public trust in the judiciary when the court is hearing politically sensitive cases.
He referred to the pending case in the Maharashtra High Court and said CJI should recuse himself to avoid any biased impression.
Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi hoped the CJI would focus on concluding the state’s political matter hearings after festivities.
Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan said the private meeting sends a troubling message about the judiciary’s role in upholding citizens’ rights and executive accountability.
Lawyer Indira Jai Singh expressed a loss of confidence in CJI’s independence from the executive owing to the publicized interaction.
While Ganesh Utsav celebrations see customary home visits, concerns have been flagged about implications on the judiciary’s image of impartiality.
