CJI D.Y. Chandrachud Defends PM’s Visit to His Residence, Emphasizes Maturity in Political Discourse
New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud addressed the controversy surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to his residence for Ganpati prayers, defending the meeting and asserting that there was “nothing wrong” in it. In a conversation at an event organized by the Indian Express, the CJI emphasized the importance of maturity in political discourse and called for a deeper understanding of the separation of powers between the judiciary and the executive.
The controversy arose after the Prime Minister’s visit to the CJI’s residence, leading opposition parties, including Congress, and a section of lawyers to raise concerns about the propriety of the interaction and its potential impact on the independence of the judiciary. The BJP, in turn, dismissed the criticism, framing it as part of India’s cultural practices.
Dialogue Between Judiciary and Executive: A Tradition, Not a Breach of Separation
CJI Chandrachud clarified that the concept of separation of powers does not imply that the judiciary and executive should never interact. He explained that meetings between judicial and executive authorities—such as the Chief Justice with the Chief Minister—are common in India, and are focused on administrative matters like budgeting, infrastructure, and technological advancements, rather than the judicial processes that affect case decisions. He pointed out that these kinds of interactions happen frequently in official settings such as the Rashtrapati Bhavan during Republic Day events, reinforcing that dialogue between the two branches of government is an essential part of the country’s functioning.
Referring to the Ganpati puja visit, CJI Chandrachud remarked, “The PM visited my residence for Ganpati puja. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this; it’s part of the ongoing dialogue between the judiciary and the executive on general matters of life and society.” He also reminded the public that such interactions have no bearing on judicial decisions, which are made independently and based on law.
Addressing Allegations of Bias and Judicial Independence
CJI Chandrachud also touched upon his previous comments regarding his faith and the Ayodhya Ram Mandir case. He emphasized that while he is a person of faith, his personal beliefs do not influence his legal decisions. “The fact that I belong to a particular faith has nothing to do with how I will treat people of different faiths who come to me seeking justice. Every case is decided according to the law and Constitution,” he affirmed.
On the highly publicized 2018 press conference by four senior judges of the Supreme Court, he called for institutional discipline and maintained that there is always room for dialogue. He expressed confidence that the judiciary would remain in safe hands under his successor, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, whom he described as an objective and calm individual capable of handling conflicts with wisdom.
Ensuring Fairness in Judicial Proceedings
CJI Chandrachud also responded to concerns regarding delays in high-profile cases, including the bail plea of former JNU student Umar Khalid, whose case in the Delhi riots has drawn significant attention. He explained that since his tenure as CJI, he has prioritized the hearing of bail cases, particularly because they pertain to the fundamental issue of personal liberty. Under his leadership, over 21,000 bail cases have been heard and disposed of by the Supreme Court between November 2022 and November 2024.
Reflecting on his approach, he stated, “I have granted bail from A to Z—Arnab Goswami to Zubair—and that’s my philosophy.” He reiterated that judicial decisions are based on a careful examination of each case’s facts, free from external pressures or media portrayal.
A Call for Respect and Trust in the Judiciary
In closing, CJI Chandrachud urged the public to trust the judiciary and its impartiality. He stressed that the judiciary, with its robust institutional framework, must not be seen through the lens of political bias or favoritism. “The work we do is evaluated by our written word. Everything we decide is open to scrutiny,” he said.
His comments on the Ganpati visit, his faith, and the functioning of the judiciary come as part of his final public address before retiring from office on November 10, 2024. Despite facing significant political scrutiny, CJI Chandrachud has maintained a steady focus on upholding the principles of fairness, transparency, and judicial independence throughout his tenure.
