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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Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
