Why Modi’s Visit to CJI Chandrachud’s Home Pooja Sparked Buzz: PM’s Maharashtrian Look
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Ganpati Puja ceremony at the residence of India’s Chief Justice DY Chandrachud in New Delhi on Wednesday. Modi himself shared this information on his social media site, X. During the event, PM Modi was seen performing the aarti and offering prayers to Lord Ganesha along with CJI Chandrachud and his wife. The Prime Minister wore a traditional Maharashtrian cap during the puja. Ganesh Puja is particularly famous in Maharashtra, making it likely that PM Modi chose the Maharashtrian cap to honor the occasion. However, this simple gesture has angered some in power, with some people viewing the meeting between Justice Chandrachud and Modi as a threat to democracy.
1 – Why is this causing such a stir?
Prashant Bhushan, a prominent critic of PM Modi and a Supreme Court lawyer, tweeted that the judge’s actions reflect a violation of the code of conduct, indicating a failure to maintain the dignity of his office. This suggests that any action or oversight by the judge may have affected the respect and public perception of his high office. Bhushan has a history of disapproving of Modi’s actions. Now that Modi has visited the CJI’s house, and given that the CJI holds great respect, Bhushan felt compelled to protest. Bhushan was once associated with Arvind Kejriwal during the Anna movement, though Kejriwal later distanced himself from Bhushan.
At one point, the court found Bhushan guilty of contempt for two tweets against the judiciary. Later, the Supreme Court fined Bhushan ₹1. While some may question why only a ₹1 fine was imposed, the court stated that failure to pay by September 15 could lead to a three-month jail sentence and a ban on practicing law for three years.
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction) leader Sanjay Raut is also upset about Modi’s meeting with Chandrachud. Raut’s frustration is understandable as Maharashtra’s assembly elections are approaching, and BJP is the main contender against his party. By wearing the Marathi cap, Modi symbolically honored the pride of the Marathi people, making it natural for his opponents to be upset.
Raut expressed doubt that Uddhav Thackeray’s faction would receive justice under Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, advising them to distance themselves from this case.
Regarding the Modi-CJI meeting, Raut tweeted, “The house of the constitution is on fire, lit by its own flames.” He highlighted four points: (1) EVMs getting a clean chit, (2) the three-year delay in the hearing of Maharashtra’s unconstitutional government, (3) the suo moto intervention in West Bengal’s rape case while neglecting Maharashtra’s rape incidents, and (4) the ongoing delays in Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal’s bail case.
A social media user wrote that this exposes the double standards of people. Congress leader and Supreme Court lawyer Abhishek Manu Singhvi said that the CJI is an old friend, and if Kapil Sibal and the CJI participate in inauguration ceremonies together, there’s no problem.
2 – Does the constitution say the executive and judiciary heads cannot meet?
Those who consider the Modi-Chandrachud meeting a threat to Indian democracy may not fully understand the constitution. Nowhere in the constitution does it say that the executive and judiciary heads cannot meet. In fact, in any healthy democracy, the separation of powers and cooperation between them should be seen from different perspectives. There shouldn’t be such a wide gap between these pillars of democracy that a wall is built between them. True justice will be served to the people of India when both pillars work together for the nation’s well-being.
Another point to consider: if they had met secretly and hidden their meeting, it would have raised democratic concerns. However, PM Modi himself tweeted about the meeting, along with photos and videos. If they wanted, the meeting could have been held in secrecy, and no one would have known.
3 – Remember when CJI challenged the government?
CJI Chandrachud has issued many significant rulings against the Modi government, reflecting his stance on judicial independence and government policies.
Same-Sex Marriage Case: CJI Chandrachud made important observations, clarifying that the right to adopt is not influenced by marital status. He also commented that homosexuality and diverse rights are not just upper-class urban concepts, differing from the central government’s view.
Maharashtra Governor’s Case: CJI Chandrachud disagreed with the governor’s remarks regarding government formation in Maharashtra, deeming former Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari’s decision to call a floor test faulty. However, he refused to reinstate Uddhav Thackeray as Chief Minister.
Judicial Appointments: CJI Chandrachud criticized the government’s practice of rejecting names for appointments in higher judiciary. He ensured that the collegium’s recommendations were not delayed indefinitely and that selected judges were approved quickly. Under his leadership, the bench rejected the central government’s suggestions provided under sealed cover concerning the Hindenburg report on the Adani Group.
In the Electoral Bonds Case, the Supreme Court’s decision embarrassed the government, with the constitutional bench led by CJI Chandrachud unanimously declaring the government’s 2018 electoral bond scheme unconstitutional. It was found to violate the right to information under Article 19(1)(a) and the principles of free and fair elections under Article 14.
Public Reactions: As Maharashtra’s elections approach, people have reacted differently to PM Modi attending the Ganpati Puja at the CJI’s residence. A user named Netaji commented that if a camera had been placed on them, everyone would know what they were discussing. Shubham wrote that it seems something big is about to happen.
A user named Archana even pointed out that the attire Modi wore was similar to traditional Maharashtrian dress, and Judge Chandrachud is also from Maharashtra. Coincidentally, Maharashtra elections are just months away.
Ganeshotsav celebrations are in full swing across the country, with Wednesday marking the sixth day of the festival. On September 11, Ganesh Puja was also performed at Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde’s residence, Varsha Bungalow. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the event and performed prayers to Lord Ganesha alongside Shinde’s son, Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde, and former MP Rahul Shewale.
