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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Karnataka HC orders release of Pralhad Joshi's brother, nephew in cheating case
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court has directed the release of Union Minister Pralhad Joshi’s brother and nephew, who were recently arrested in a cheating case for allegedly promising an election ticket in exchange for Rs 2.5 crore.
Justice M Nagaprasanna, presiding over a single-judge bench, issued an interim order staying all proceedings against the accused. Although they were set to remain in police custody until tomorrow, the court ordered their immediate release. The court stated, “The petitioners are said to be in police custody, and custody is till tomorrow. In light of the aforesaid interim order, [they shall] be released forthwith in a manner known to law.”
The arrests followed a complaint from Sunitha Chavan, wife of former JD(S) MLA Devanand Chavan, who alleged that the accused had promised her husband a BJP ticket for the Bijapur Lok Sabha constituency, in exchange for Rs 2.5 crore. According to the complaint, the accused had claimed they could secure the ticket, leveraging the office of the Union Minister. It was further alleged that Rs 25 lakh had already changed hands before the election announcement.
