Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud on Monday said that there was “nothing wrong” with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to his residence for Ganpati puja. He emphasised the importance of a “sense of maturity in the political sphere” when discussing such matters.
Speaking at an event organised by the Indian Express group, Chandrachud pointed at the importance of maturity in political discourse regarding the relationship between the judiciary and the executive.
“The PM visited my residence for Ganpati Puja. There is absolutely nothing wrong as these are continuing meetings between the judiciary and the executive even at social level. We meet at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Republic Day, etc. We are in conversation with the prime minister and the ministers. This conversation does not involve the cases which we decide but life and society in general,” Chandrachud said at Indian Express Adda event.
Chandrachud acknowledged the importance of dialogue as part of a robust inter-institutional mechanism, claiming that the separation of powers does not preclude meetings between the two branches of government.
The CJI also discussed his personal faith, revealing that he prayed for a resolution to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir dispute while affirming his respect for all religions.
The visit, which occurred in September, sparked controversy when PM Modi was seen participating in the puja at Chandrachud’s home. A video posted on social media platform X showed the CJI and his wife, Kalpana Das, welcoming the Prime Minister, who later shared his blessings for happiness, prosperity, and health in a post.
As the video gained traction online, many users expressed concerns that the Prime Minister’s participation in a religious event at the residence of the Chief Justice could undermine the perceived impartiality of the judiciary.