New Delhi: Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud described the controversy surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit for Ganpati Puja as "unnecessary, unwarranted, and illogical." He noted that it is common for heads of the political executive to visit judges' homes for social events. "Aside from exchanging pleasantries, no other matters are discussed," he stated in an interview with a newspaper.
He emphasized that the independence of the judiciary is so firmly established that judicial matters are "never ever discussed." CJI Chandrachud mentioned that the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers often visit the residences of the CJI, Chief Justices of High Courts, and judges for social occasions such as children's weddings or festivals. He added that discussions typically focus on the inadequate infrastructure facing the judiciary, which has a significant backlog of cases.
"But I cannot recall a single occasion where either the CJI or Supreme Court judges discussed any judicial matters with the heads of the Union or state executives. Except for exchanging pleasantries, no other discussions take place," the CJI, who will retire on November 10, told TOI.
"There is sufficient maturity among judges of constitutional courts and executive heads to ensure that judicial matters remain entirely separate from discussions. The protocol is so stringent that judicial issues are never addressed with political executives," he affirmed.
CJI Chandrachud explained that after a Chief Justice of a High Court or the CJI is sworn in, there is a formal meeting with the head of the political executive to address deficiencies in judicial infrastructure, funding allocation, and related administrative matters.
A significant political controversy arose in September when a video of PM Modi attending Ganesh festival celebrations at the CJI's residence circulated on social media. Photos and videos from the event showed the Prime Minister participating in Ganesh Puja with the CJI and his family.
This visit ignited a debate over the separation of powers between the executive and judiciary, prompting several senior advocates to voice their concerns. Senior advocate and former Additional Solicitor General Indira Jaising criticized the meeting, stating on social media, "The Chief Justice of India has compromised the separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary. I have lost all confidence in the independence of the CJI. The SCBA must condemn this overt compromise of the CJI's independence from the Executive," added Kapil Sibal.
