A recent visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the residence of Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud has ignited a heated debate over the separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary. In a video circulating on social media, the Prime Minister is seen participating in a puja, along with CJI Chandrachud. The images of this event have caught people’s attention and sparked strong reactions from well-known lawyers and activists.
Joined Ganesh Puja at the residence of CJI, Justice DY Chandrachud Ji.
May Bhagwan Shri Ganesh bless us all with happiness, prosperity and wonderful health. pic.twitter.com/dfWlR7elky
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 11, 2024
Senior lawyer Indira Jaising took to Twitter to express her dismay, tagging SCBA (Supreme Court Bar Association) President and senior advocate Kapil Sibal. She wrote, “The Chief Justice of India has compromised the separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary. Lost all confidence in the independence of the CJI. The SCBA must condemn this publicly displayed compromise of Independence of the CJI from the Executive.”
Chief Justice of India has compromised the separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary. Lost all confidence in the independence of the CJI . The SCBA must condemn this publicly displayed compromise of Independence of the CJI from the Executive @KapilSibal https://t.co/UXoIxVxaJt
— Indira Jaising (@IJaising) September 11, 2024
Her statement echoes a growing sentiment that such a meeting between the Prime Minister and the Chief Justice, especially in a private setting, raises questions about the independence of the judiciary. The separation of powers between the executive and judiciary is a cornerstone of India’s constitutional democracy, and any perceived compromise has far-reaching consequences.
Adding to the discourse, well-known activist and lawyer Prashant Bhushan also voiced his concerns on social media. In a tweet, he stated, “Shocking that CJI Chandrachud allowed Modi to visit him at his residence for a private meeting. Sends a very bad signal to the judiciary which is tasked with the responsibility of protecting fundamental rights of citizens from the executive and ensuring that the government acts within the bounds of the Constitution. That is why there has to be an arm’s-length separation between the executive & judiciary.”
Code of Conduct for Judges:
“A Judge Should practice a degree of aloofness consistent with the dignity of his office.
There should be no act or omission by him which is unbecoming of the high office he occupies and the public esteem in which that office is held”
Violation of Code pic.twitter.com/kNjuMosbgZ— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) September 12, 2024
Prashant Bhushan further highlighted the “Code of Conduct for Judges,” quoting: “A Judge should practice a degree of aloofness consistent with the dignity of his office. There should be no act or omission by him which is unbecoming of the high office he occupies and the public esteem in which that office is held.” According to Bhushan, this meeting violated the code of conduct expected from someone in the CJI’s position.
My statement on the PM visiting the CJI for Ganesh puja at his residence pic.twitter.com/kcqCfNsfGz
— Prashant Bhushan (@pbhushan1) September 12, 2024
Meanwhile, political leaders have also chimed in. Sanjay Raut, a senior leader from the Uddhav Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena, shared a sharp critique on X (formerly Twitter). He said, “The Constitution’s house is burning, and it’s happening because of those who were meant to protect it. From EVMs being given a clean chit, to the delay in hearings on Maharashtra’s unconstitutional government, this chronology of events is telling. Why the delay in Arvind Kejriwal’s bail hearing but quick interventions elsewhere?”
संविधान के घर को आग लगी
घरके चिरागसे….
१) EVM को क्लीन चीट
२) महाराष्ट्र में चलरही संविधान विरोधी सरकार के सुनवाई पर ३ सालसे तारीख पे तारीख
३) प. बंगाल बलात्कर मामले मे suemoto हस्तक्षेप लेकीन
महाराष्ट्र रेप कांड का जिकर नहीं.
४) दिल्ली मुख्यमंत्री केजरीवाल के
bail पर तारीख पे… https://t.co/jzVpQqDQh3— Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) September 11, 2024
Raut’s comments add a political dimension to the growing concerns over judicial independence. He questioned why certain cases receive expedited attention while others, especially involving constitutional violations or political leaders, face delays.
The meeting between Prime Minister Modi and CJI Chandrachud has sparked significant controversy and discussions about the impartiality and autonomy of the judiciary. As key legal voices continue to raise concerns, the nation watches closely to see how the judiciary responds and whether the SCBA or other bodies will take formal action on the matter.
