CJI DY Chandrachud Defends PM Modi's Ganpati Puja Visit: ‘Absolutely Nothing Wrong As These Are…’

Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud on Monday stated that there is nothing inappropriate about Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting his residence during Ganpati Puja. He emphasised the importance of maturity in the political sphere regarding such interactions. "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," he remarked, speaking at an event organised by the Indian Express group.

He underscored that these dialogues do not pertain to specific cases but rather encompass broader societal issues.

CJI Chandrachud further clarified that the separation of powers between the judiciary and the executive does not preclude meetings between the two branches.

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CJI Chandrachud On Ayodhya Ram Mandir Case Remarks: ‘I Am A Person Of Faith’

Addressing his previous comments on praying for a solution to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir dispute, he affirmed his faith while respecting all religions. "I was speaking in my village. I was asked about how I stay calm in the arena of conflict in courts. I said everyone has their own mantra...I said, I spend an hour in the morning reflecting on how I am going to handle my caseload for the day," he explained. He added, "When I said that I sit before a deity, I make no bones about the fact that I am a person of faith, I have my own faith. Equally, I respect every other faith."

The CJI reacted to criticisms that suggested judges of the Supreme Court are now seeking divine guidance for case decisions, labelling such interpretations as a distortion of his statements. "That's really putting my statements on head," he remarked, reiterating that his personal faith does not influence his judicial responsibilities or his ability to deliver justice impartially.

On October 20, during a gathering in his native village of Kanhersar in Khed taluka, CJI Chandrachud spoke about his prayer for a resolution to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute, asserting that "God will find a way if one has faith."

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