Chandrachud Defends PM Modi's Ganesh Puja Visit, Insists Judiciary Remains Independent

In the Interview with ANI, Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud rejected criticism surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to his residence for Ganesh Puja last September.

“Look at the work which we have done. I think assess us in terms of the work which we have done. I think something which is, you know, a social visit, a sociable visit, and this is not unique. I’ve said this before, prime ministers visit people in the homes of judges on social occasions, sometimes on sad occasions as well. This is the element of elementary social courtesy which is followed within the system. And, you know, these social courtesies do not detract from the fact that despite these social curtsies which are observed at different levels of the government, in the work which we do, we are entirely independent of each other,” former CJI said.

“No judge, especially the CJI or a High Court Chief Justice, would allow any actual or perceived threat to judicial independence,” he stated, adding that judicial matters are never discussed during social gatherings with political leaders.

Responding to these concerns, CJI Chandrachud highlighted longstanding traditions, such as the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court meeting the Chief Minister after taking the oath to discuss judicial infrastructure needs. Such meetings, he clarified, are customary and do not involve judicial decision-making.

The CJI also noted that it is common for political leaders, including the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers, to attend judges' residences for social occasions like festivals or family events. Stressing that these interactions are purely social, he reaffirmed the judiciary's commitment to maintaining its independence and impartiality.