CJI Chandrachud and Narendra Modi at the former's residence for Ganpati puja
Credit: PTI Photo
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to CJI D Y Chandrachud's house for Ganesha puja celebrations has raised doubts in the mind of Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, who questioned whether he would deliver 'justice' in the ongoing case the party has in the Supreme Court, given that the PM is the other party in the case.
Speaking to ANI, Raut said "Ganpathi festival is going on, people visit each other's houses. I don't have info regarding how many houses PM visited so far...but PM went to CJI's house and they together performed 'Aarti'."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends 'Ganpati Poojan' at the residence of Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud
Credit: PTI Photo
He 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...Chief Justice should distance himself from this case because his relation with the other party in the case is openly visible," Raut continued.
He also raised questions if the CJI be able to give them justice in the case. "We are getting dates after dates and an illegal govt 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 govt 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.
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."
NCP (SP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto sharing the video said "When the 'Supreme', 'Surrender', the 'Nation' will 'Suffer'."
Lawyer and activist Indira Jaising also expressed reservations 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."
Shinde Sena leader Milind Deora however, warned against 'reckless commentary' on the matter, saying "When verdicts favour them, the opposition praises the Supreme Court’s credibility, but when things don't go their way, they conveniently claim the judiciary is compromised."
He added that casting such aspersions set a 'dangerous precedent'. "This reckless attempt to undermine the credibility of the CJI by the opposition is not only irresponsible but also damaging to the institution’s integrity," Deora said.
The leader also lamented the 'ugly turn' Indian politics seems to have taken, saying "The era of arbitrary judicial appointments is long gone & the incumbent CJI has served his office with immense integrity. Those seeking to tarnish his legacy & credibility are showing poor judgment & acting against the nation’s best interests."
BJP national general secretary (Organisation) B L Santhosh said though left liberals have started crying over the prime minister attending the event at the CJI's residence, "it was not socialising but a devoted Ganapathi Pooja".
"Started crying! Civility, cordiality, togetherness, co travellers in nations journey are all an anathema to these left liberals. Also it was not socialising but a devoted Ganapathi Pooja is very hard to digest. SCBA is not a moral compass. Take deep breath once," Santhosh said in a post on X reacting to Jaising's comments.
In another post, the BJP leader wrote, "Yesterday's Pooja and Aarti spoiled the sleep, morning walk and tea-breakfast of many people across the country."
With PTI inputs