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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Bihar: Over 150 children fall ill after consuming 'mid-day meal' in Saharsa
Saharsa (PTI): More than 150 children were taken ill after allegedly consuming food that was part of the mid-day meal in a school in Bihar’s Saharsa district, a senior official said on Thursday.
The incident occurred at a middle school in Baluaha village of the district.
The official said that 115 children were undergoing treatment at the Sadar Hospital, while around 50 students were admitted to Mahishi Public Health Centre.
“We received information that several children fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal in Baluaha. The children were initially treated at the primary health centre, but later, many were referred to the Sadar Hospital,” Saharsa District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar told reporters.
“According to doctors, the health condition of the children has improved, but they will be kept under observation for some time. There is no need to panic. Some kids are having mild fever. They are being treated accordingly,” Kumar said.
Meanwhile, family members of some children claimed that a snake was found in the container in which cooked pulses was stored at the school.
Of the 545 students present in the school, 200 had already eaten their meals by the time the snake was spotted, and later complained of stomach ache and vomiting, they said.
Regarding the claims, the DM said food samples have been collected from the school.
“We will be able to comment on this only after the results of the tested samples arrive,” he said.
