In a recent interview with The Times of India, Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud has categorically rejected the controversy surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to his residence for Ganesh Puja several months ago. He firmly stated that judges are fully aware of their duties within the democratic system and that no judge, including the CJI or High Court chief justices, can be perceived as compromising the independence of the judiciary through such social interactions.
CJI Chandrachud went on to describe the controversy as “unnecessary, unwarranted, and illogical,” emphasizing that the spirit of an independent judiciary is deeply ingrained among judges, ensuring that judicial matters are never discussed during such social gatherings.
He also shed light on a tradition prevalent in the Allahabad High Court, which he became aware of after assuming the role of Chief Justice there. According to the TOI interview, the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court customarily meets the Chief Minister after the oath-taking ceremony to address infrastructural concerns faced by the judiciary. “The second meeting of the CM always takes place at the residence of CJ,” the TOI quoted CJI Chandrachud as saying.
CJI Chandrachud further explained that it’s common for Prime Ministers and Chief Ministers to visit the residences of CJIs, High Court Chief Justices, and other judges on social occasions like festivals, children’s weddings, or other celebrations. He emphasized that these visits are purely social in nature and should not be misinterpreted as influencing or compromising the judiciary’s independence.
The controversy surrounding PM Modi’s visit to the CJI’s residence arose in September this year when the Prime Minister joined Ganesh festival celebrations at the CJI’s home. Photos and videos shared on social media showed PM Modi participating in the Ganesh Puja with the CJI and his family. This event sparked a debate about the separation of powers between the executive and judiciary. Several senior advocates expressed their concerns about the visit.
Senior advocate and former Additional Solicitor General Indira Jaising criticized the meeting, writing on social media, “Chief Justice of India has compromised the separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary. Lost all confidence in the independence of the CJI. The SCBA must condemn this publicly displayed compromise of independence of the CJI from the Executive Kapil Sibal.”
CJI Chandrachud’s strong statements dismissing the controversy and his clear explanation of the tradition of social interactions between judges and political leaders aim to reaffirm the judiciary’s commitment to independence and its ability to function without any perceived influence from the executive branch.
