Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders and senior Supreme Court lawyers have expressed concerns over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud’s residence for Ganpati Puja, raising questions about its impact on judicial transparency
On Wednesday, PM Modi, donning a traditional Maharashtrian cap, joined the Chief Justice and his wife at their New Delhi residence. The trio was seen performing aarti and offering prayers before Lord Ganesha’s idol.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut voiced concerns over the visit, stating that interactions between constitutional authorities and political leaders could erode public trust in the judiciary, particularly with the Chief Justice presiding over a case involving the Maharashtra government.
Raut suggested that the CJI should recuse himself from the case to prevent any potential appearance of bias.
“The Prime Minister visited the Chief Justice’s residence and they performed aarti together. Our concern is that when the custodians of the Constitution meet with political leaders in this manner, it raises doubts. Our case in Maharashtra, which involves the current government, is being heard before the Chief Justice and the Prime Minister is part of it. We are concerned about whether we will get justice. The Chief Justice should consider recusing himself from this case,” said Sanjay Raut.
He added that during Ganpati Utsav, people traditionally visit each other’s homes, but he did not have information on how many homes the prime minister had visited so far. He also mentioned that there were many celebrations in Delhi, including at their Maharashtra Sadan.
Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi took to X, expressing hope that once the festivities concluded, the Chief Justice would prioritize concluding the hearing on Maharashtra’s political situation.
“Okay. After the festivities are over hopefully CJI will deem fit and be slightly freer to conclude the hearing on Maharashtra and the blatant disregard of Article 10 of the Constitution in Maharashtra. Oh wait, elections round the corner anyway, it can be adjourned for another day,” wrote Priyanka Chaturvedi.
