CJI Chandrachud addresses controversy over PM Modi's Ganesh Puja visit days before his retirement

PTC Web Desk: Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has addressed the significant political controversy surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to his home for Ganesh Puja, asserting that no judicial matters are discussed during such visits. Speaking at the Loksatta annual lecture, the Chief Justice said it was customary for Chief Ministers and Chief Justices of HCs to hold regular meetings, which serve essential administrative purposes.

CJI Chandrachud explained, “People often question the necessity of these meetings. The maturity of our political system is reflected in the considerable respect afforded to the judiciary, even by the political class. The judiciary's budget is sourced from the state, not allocated for judges alone. We require new court buildings and residences for judges in various districts, making these meetings between the Chief Justice and Chief Minister indispensable.”

Drawing on his previous experience as Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, he said when a Chief Justice was appointed, there was a tradition for them to visit the Chief Minister's residence and vice versa. "These meetings typically have a clear agenda, discussing projects within the state, infrastructure needs, and budget priorities. If discussions are limited to written correspondence, progress would be sluggish,” he added, highlighting the necessity of face-to-face communication.

CJI Chandrachud also stressed that these meetings do not impact judicial work. He stated, “During these discussions, the Chief Minister never inquires about pending cases. On occasions like August 14 or January 26, or during personal events like weddings or mourning, the Chief Minister and Chief Justice meet, and these encounters do not affect judicial functions. People speculate about hidden agendas, but this is merely part of a healthy dialogue.”

The Prime Minister's visit to participate in the Ganesh Puja at the Chief Justice's residence has incited considerable political debate, particularly from certain opposition factions questioning the appropriateness of such gatherings. Sanjay Raut, a Rajya Sabha MP and leader of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), suggested that the Chief Justice should recuse himself from cases related to the ongoing conflict between Shiv Sena UBT and the Eknath Shinde-led faction.

Raut remarked, “During the Ganpati festival, how many homes has the Prime Minister visited? While Ganesh festival is celebrated throughout Delhi, the Prime Minister’s visit to the Chief Justice's home raises questions about the integrity of the judicial system.” He further indicated that in similar scenarios, it is traditional for judges to dissociate themselves from related cases.