'Lost respect': Netizens after CJI pictured with Modi performing puja
What's the story
Netizens have expressed disappointment at Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud after he was pictured with Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking part in the Ganpati Puja celebrations at his residence on Wednesday. The images of the celebration quickly went viral, with one user commenting, "CJI DY Chandrachud, I had huge respect for you since your decisions on Electoral Bonds case, today you've lost all." Another user said that the picture was not good for our democratic and judicial systems.
Criticism aired
Opposition voices concern over PM's visit
Senior advocate and former Additional Solicitor General (ASG), Indira Jaising also expressed her disapproval on X, stating that the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) should condemn PM Modi's visit to the CJI's residence. "Chief Justice of India has compromised the separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary," Jaising wrote. She further added, "Lost all confidence in the independence of the CJI."
Legal perspective
Senior lawyer echoes concerns over PM's visit
Also upset over PM Modi's visit to Chandrachud's residence was senior Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan, who wrote, "Shocking that CJI Chandrachud allowed Modi to visit him at his residence for a private meeting." He added that this sends a very bad signal to the judiciary, which is tasked with protecting citizens' fundamental rights from the executive and ensuring government actions are within constitutional bounds.
Twitter Post
PM Modi at CJI's residence in New Delhi
Breaking News ;-
— VISH 🇮🇳 (@113_vishnu) September 11, 2024
> आजाद भारत में पहली बार किसी PM ने सार्वजनिक तौर पर गणेश पूजा की।❤️
> पीएम नरेंद्र मोदी ने Chief Justice of India श्री डी.वाई. चंद्रचूड़ के घर गणपति बप्पा के चरणों में शीश नवाया।
> भारत विरोधी लोग सदमे में है।
> Happy Ganesh Chaturthi#CJIDYChandrachud pic.twitter.com/WR5rKSs3B6
BJP
BJP responds to criticism
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has responded to criticism, insisting that the visit was solely to celebrate Ganpati festivities together. National Organizing Secretary of the BJP, BL Santhosh, addressed the issue on X, stating that the opposition is making a hue and cry over PM Modi's visit. "Civility, cordiality, togetherness, co-travellers in nations journey are all anathema to these left liberals. Also it was not socializing but a devoted Ganapathi Pooja is very hard to digest," Santhosh wrote on X.