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The recent controversy surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in a Ganesh Puja ceremony at Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud's residence has ignited a political firestorm in India. The event, which seemingly started as a simple religious observance, has become a focal point of debate surrounding the separation of powers, political influence, and the integrity of the judiciary.
Modi, during a rally in Odisha, launched a direct attack on the Congress party and its supporters, accusing them of harboring a deep-seated animosity towards Ganesh Puja. He drew parallels between the opposition's criticism and the British colonial era, suggesting that both groups shared a strategy of 'divide and rule,' employing religious sentiments to manipulate and control the populace. Modi's remarks further escalated the tensions, framing the controversy as a battle between religious piety and political machinations.
The opposition's concerns stem from the potential for the meeting between Modi and CJI Chandrachud to compromise the judiciary's independence. Critics argue that such a high-profile encounter, especially during a religious ceremony, could create an appearance of undue influence and undermine public confidence in the judiciary's impartiality. They point to the ongoing case in Maharashtra, currently being heard by CJI Chandrachud, as a prime example of how the meeting could raise questions about the judiciary's ability to act with complete neutrality.
While the Congress party has condemned Modi's presence at the Ganesh Puja, other opposition leaders, particularly from the Shiv Sena (UBT), have voiced their concerns more explicitly. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut expressed fears that the meeting might influence the outcome of the Maharashtra case. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, conceded that there was no issue with CJI Chandrachud inviting Modi to the festival, but criticized the Prime Minister for publicising the meeting, which he argued led to unnecessary speculation.
The controversy highlights a complex interplay between politics and the judiciary in India. While the CJI has defended his right to host guests at his private residence, the event has sparked a debate about the boundaries of judicial independence and the perceived influence of political figures on the judicial process. The controversy also reflects the broader social and political climate in India, where religious sentiments often intersect with political agendas, raising questions about the role of religion in public life and the potential for its exploitation for political gain.
Source: ‘Cong ecosystem angry’: PM Modi on row over attending Ganesh Puja at CJI's house