Supreme Court of India | Ganpati Poojan at CJI’s residence
New Delhi: Public discussions and concerns within the legal fraternity regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud’s residence for a Ganapati puja is rooted in a 1997 document outlining judicial values. This document, titled the Restatement of Values of Judicial Life, was adopted by the Supreme Court during a Full Court Meeting on May 7, 1997.
The 16-point document serves as a guide for the expected conduct of judges in both the Supreme Court and High Courts. The first principle emphasises the importance of judicial impartiality, advising judges to avoid any acts that could erode public confidence in the judiciary. The document also recommends that judges maintain a “degree of aloofness consistent with the dignity of [their] office.”
The Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms, represented by advocate Prashant Bhushan, highlighted the importance of maintaining proper boundaries between the judiciary and the executive, citing former Chief Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah’s stance that while the judiciary and executive must maintain a correct relationship, cordiality should not compromise the separation of powers.
Notable legal figures have voiced their opinions on the matter. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal acknowledged CJI Chandrachud’s integrity but expressed concerns about public perception, stating that such incidents could lead to gossip and undermine the institution. Senior advocate Indira Jaising criticized the CJI’s actions, claiming it compromised the independence of the judiciary. Meanwhile, Bar Council of India chairperson Manan Kumar Mishra dismissed the controversy, stating that the puja was a religious and social event that would not influence court judgments.
