Ex-CJI Chandrachud dismisses controversy over Modi's visit, says judicial integrity intact
New Delhi: Former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has downplayed the controversy surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to his residence during a religious event while he was in office. In an interview with BBC, he stated that such interactions between high constitutional functionaries should not be overinterpreted, Financial Express reported.
“Let’s not make too much out of elementary courtesies between high constitutional functionaries,” Chandrachud remarked in the interview. He asserted that the judiciary remains independent and that such meetings do not compromise judicial integrity.
He also refuted allegations that the Supreme Court has been influenced by political pressures. Highlighting the court’s role in upholding the rule of law, he pointed out that the apex court had disposed of 21,300 bail applications last year, including cases involving political leaders and activists.
“The Supreme Court has always protected personal liberties and maintained its independence from political forces,” he said.
Defending the court’s decision to uphold the abrogation of Article 370, Chandrachud stated that the ruling was in line with the Constitution’s original intent. “Article 370 was introduced as a transitional provision. At the birth of the Constitution, the assumption was that what was transitional would eventually fade away and merge with the overall text,” he explained.
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Mumbai family deaths: Rat poison ingredient zinc phosphide found in viscera, watermelon sample
Mumbai (PTI): Four members of a family in Pydhonie area of south Mumbai died last month due to rat poison, police officials said on Thursday.
The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report has confirmed the presence of zinc phosphide in viscera (liver, kidney, spleen), stomach contents, bile, and abdominal fat samples of the deceased identified as Abdulla Dokadia (44), his wife Nasrin (35) and their daughters Aayesha (16) and Zaineb (13), said Deputy Commissioner of Police Pravin Mundhe.
"The watermelon sample also tested positive for zinc phosphide, while all other food items were negative. The report will be studied in depth. We will consult forensic doctors. Further probe in the case is underway," the DCP said.
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Zinc phosphide is used primarily as a highly toxic acute rodenticide to control rats and mice.
"The forensic experts who examined the viscera of deceased Abdulla Dokadia, Nasrin (35), Aayesha (16) and Zaineb (13) found traces of zinc phosphide. It is, however, unclear whether the rat poison was consumed accidentally (or on purpose). So far, we have found no strong reason why the whole family would take such an extreme step," another official said.
Further probe is being conducted by the JJ Marg police station, which has recorded statements of kin and neighbours, he added.
The Dokadia family, residents of Ghari Mohalla on Ismail Kurte Road, had hosted a get-together of relatives on the night of April 25. At around 1 am, hours after the guests had left, Abdullah Dokadia, his wife Nasreen, and daughters Ayesha and Zaineb ate pieces of a watermelon.
They suffered severe bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea in the early hours of April 26 and were rushed to a local hospital before being referred to the government-run J J Hospital where all four died during treatment.
