Judicial independence intact: CJI defends ganesh puja with PM Modi amid criticism
New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud has addressed the controversy surrounding his participation in Ganesh Puja with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Facing criticism from the Opposition, who questioned the appropriateness of the meeting, the Chief Justice clarified that such gatherings are standard and are aimed at discussing judicial infrastructure rather than judicial matters.
During a lecture at the Loksatta series, CJI Chandrachud highlighted the routine nature of these meetings, which he said are essential for discussing key issues like new court buildings and judges’ accommodations. "We are mature enough to keep judicial matters out of any discussions with the executive," he stated, emphasising that interactions between the judiciary and government are necessary to ensure smooth functioning of the nation’s legal infrastructure.
Chandrachud pointed out that similar meetings take place in various states, where Chief Justices often meet with Chief Ministers for non-judicial discussions. "Such interactions underscore a mutual respect for boundaries between the judiciary and the political executive," he added. CJI Chandrachud, who is scheduled to retire on November 10, reiterated the importance of these exchanges in maintaining a cooperative environment among the government’s three branches.
The controversy erupted following Modi’s visit to Chandrachud’s residence for the puja in September, with leaders like Sanjay Raut and Priyanka Chaturvedi of the Shiv Sena (UBT) suggesting it could compromise judicial impartiality, particularly in cases involving their party. In response, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla defended the meeting, citing precedents such as a 2009 Iftar gathering attended by then CJI KG Balakrishnan and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Chandrachud also noted that while judges may interact with political figures socially, judicial matters remain strictly off-limits in such contexts.
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BJP central leadership backs Kerala chief Surendran amid Palakkad bypoll loss
Thiruvananthapuram (PTI): The national leadership of the BJP on Monday threw its weight behind the Kerala state unit and its chief K Surendran despite a major vote loss in the Palakkad Assembly bypoll, asserting that the party had put up a "good fight" in the recently concluded election.
Rejecting reports that Surendran had expressed a willingness to quit taking moral responsibility for the defeat in Palakkad, considered one of its strongholds in Kerala, the BJP accused the CPI(M)-led LDF and the Congress-led UDF of "spreading rumours."
"Nobody is resigning neither party has sought anybody's resignation. I think this will settle the matter," senior BJP leader and party's in-charge Kerala, Prakash Javadekar, said in a post on 'X'.
Youth Congress state president Rahul Mamkootathil won the Palakkad seat with a margin of over 18,000 votes, even making inroads into BJP stronghold areas, delivering a shock to the saffron party, which had been hoping to win the seat after finishing second in the past few elections.
Adding to the BJP's woes, the Left improved its performance in the seat, narrowing the gap with the party.
"BJP has given a good fight in recently concluded by-elections in Kerala and got a massive mandate in Maharashtra. We will win Palakkad and many more assembly seats in 2026. We are here to make a difference in Kerala politics. People are looking up to BJP," Javadekar said.
The senior leader claimed that more than 15,00,000 voters have become voluntarily members of the BJP, by giving missed call and full information.
"Our membership drive will continue vigorously," Javadekar said.
His statement came amidst reports that the defeat had triggered widespread dissent within the Kerala BJP against Surendran.
Surendran's critics within the party allege that he unilaterally decided to field C Krishnakumar, his preferred candidate, for the Palakkad seat.
Before the candidate's announcement, some senior leaders had publicly advocated for the firebrand party leader Sobha Surendran.
In protest against Krishnakumar's candidature, BJP's popular television face Sandeep G Varier resigned and joined the Congress just ahead of the by-poll, delivering a significant blow to the saffron camp.
In the by-poll, BJP's Krishnakumar secured 39,549 votes (28.63 per cent), while Congress candidate Mamkootathil won with 58,389 votes (42.27 per cent). CPI(M)-backed P Sarin garnered 37,293 votes (27 per cent).
Surendran sought to downplay the setback, stating it is common for the BJP to see reduced votes in Kerala by-elections.
He claimed that many votes for the BJP candidate "Metro Man" E Sreedharan during the 2021 Assembly polls were apolitical, with cross-party support. However, he admitted, "In Palakkad, there was a decrease in the number of votes. We will introspect on it."
