The visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the residence of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud for religious celebrations has raised doubts in the minds of many, closely accepting the bon homie, not in the interest of justice.
Doubt has been formed in Maharashtra’s mind given the connect PM and CJI seem to share.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, has questioned whether he would deliver ‘justice’ in the ongoing case, his party has in the Supreme Court, given that the PM is the other party in the case.
In his concern expressed to news channels, Raut stated that “Ganpathi festival is going on and people visit each other’s houses. I don’t have info regarding how many houses PM visited so far, but he went to CJI’s house and they together performed ‘Aarti’.”
Raut said that a custodian of the Constitution meeting politicians could raise doubts in the minds of people. “In our case, other party is the Central govt. The Chief Justice should distance himself from this case because his relation with the other party in the case is openly visible,” Raut continued.
Expressing his concern that whether the CJI would be able to give them justice in the case, he said “We are getting dates after dates and an illegal government is going on. Shiv Sena and NCP were broken in such a way. We are not getting justice and PM Modi is taking a lot of interest in the illegal government of Maharashtra, to save them,” the Sena (UBT) leader continued.
Raut alleged that a doubt had been formed in Maharashtra’s mind given the ‘bond’ the PM and the CJI seem to share.
Separation between the executive and judiciary must be upheld
Similarly, senior lawyer and activist Prashant Bhushan also raised concerns over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the residence of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, stating “it sends a very bad signal to the judiciary.”
In a post on X, the veteran activist questioned the appropriateness of the meeting. He cited the Code of Conduct for Judges, which emphasized maintaining a degree of aloofness and avoiding actions that may compromise the dignity of the judiciary.
Expressing shock at CJI allowing the meeting, he said the judiciary’s role was crucial in protecting citizens’ fundamental rights and ensuring the government acts within constitutional limits. According to Bhushan, the separation between the executive and judiciary must be upheld.
Festivities are over, hopefully CJI will deem fit to conclude the hearing
A sarcastic Priyanka Chaturvedi of the Sena (UBT) remarked on X, “After the festivities are over hopefully 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,” adding, “Oh wait, elections round the corner anyway, it can be adjourned for another day.”
Also lawyer Indira Jaising expressed concern on the issue saying “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.”
It was not socializing but a devoted Puja
Meanwhile, BJP national general secretary (Organisation) BL Santhosh posted on X “it was not socializing but a devoted Ganapathi Puja”.
He further wrote “Started crying! Civility, cordiality, togetherness, co travellers in nation’s journey were all an anathema to these left liberals. Also it was not socializing but a devoted Ganapathi Pooja is very hard to digest. SCBA is not a moral compass. Take deep breath once.”
CJI set to retire in November this year
CJI DY Chandrachud will retire from his post on November 10, 2024. He took over as the 50th Chief Justice of India on November 09, 2022 and held the post for 2 years.
