Chief Justice Clarifies Puja with PM

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

1. Chief Justice DY Chandrachud clarified his puja with PM Modi, stating judicial independence was maintained.
2. He said these meetings focus solely on judicial infrastructure discussions.
3. The Opposition raised questions, but the judge dismissed them as unnecessary.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Chief Justice DY Chandrachud addressed concerns surrounding his participation in Ganesh Puja with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September. He emphasized that the meeting was only about judicial infrastructure matters, such as court buildings and accommodations for judges. He noted that no judicial decisions were discussed.

Following the Prime Minister’s visit, the Opposition raised questions, to which Justice Chandrachud responded, “Judges and heads of the executive keep judicial matters firmly outside discussions.” He highlighted the necessity of such meetings to sustain a dialogue between the judiciary and government.

Justice Chandrachud stated that it is routine for state Chief Justices to meet with Chief Ministers and that the political framework respects judicial independence.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut and Priyanka Chaturvedi raised concerns over the meeting, yet Justice Chandrachud regarded it as non-controversial.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla mentioned that similar instances have occurred, like in 2009 when then-Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan attended an Iftar hosted by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

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