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Synopsis

The Chief Justice of India has addressed the controversy surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to his home for Ganesh Puja. 

Terming the controversy to be “unnecessary, unwarranted, and illogical”, the CJI has said political executives, can pay a visit to houses of judges on social occasions, adding that the spirit of an independent judiciary is so much entrenched among judges that judicial matters are “never discussed”.

Speaking at the Loksatta series of lectures in Mumbai on Saturday, the CJI has also said the concept of cooperative federalism, which is at the core of India's democratic governance, does not mandate states to toe the Centre's line.

On September 11, PM Modi's attendance at Ganpati Puja at CJI Chandrachud's residence drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders and several advocates citing concerns over the judiciary's independence.

The event sparked strong reactions from opposition leaders and some Supreme Court lawyers. Senior advocate Indira Jaising criticized the Prime Minister’s presence, stating on X that the Chief Justice had blurred the lines between the executive and judiciary.

According to media reports, the Shiv Sena (UBT) voiced concerns, suggesting that such a gathering could raise public doubts about the judiciary’s impartiality. In response, the BJP defended the visit, stating that it was solely for the Ganpati Puja and emphasized that such events are "a part of our culture."

Recently, Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal had also addressed the meeting and said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should not have shown any interest in attending the Ganesh Puja at Chief Justice Of India DY Chandrachud's home. Sibal, who is also the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president, also extended his request to the Prime Minister not to make a spectacle of such private events. 

Sibal had also questioned the CJI over the message this meeting would send to the judiciary. "Once you do this, what message does it send to the high courts and the judiciary, they also look upon these things, that sends an unfortunate signal. My view is it should have best been avoided", he added.