Controversy Erupts Over PM Modi Attending CJI's Ganpati Puja

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attendance at a Ganpati puja held at Chief Justice DY Chandrachud's residence has sparked significant controversy. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal criticized the publicizing of the private event, suggesting it might send a wrong signal about the judiciary's independence. Senior lawyer Indira Jaising also condemned the event for compromising the separation of powers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in a Ganpati puja at Chief Justice DY Chandrachud's Delhi residence has ignited a firestorm of controversy. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Thursday criticized the move, asserting that high-ranking officials should not publicize private events to avoid gossip around institutions.

Sibal, who is also a senior advocate and president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, emphasized that the Prime Minister's attendance at such a private event was inappropriate and could be seen as sending a wrong signal about the judiciary's independence. 'I have been in this institution for over 50 years and I was really surprised when I saw this clip circulating on social media,' Sibal said at a press conference.

Adding to the criticism, senior lawyer Indira Jaising asserted that the Chief Justice had compromised the separation of powers between the judiciary and the executive. 'The SCBA must condemn this publicly displayed compromise of the CJI's independence from the executive,' Jaising posted on X.

(With inputs from agencies.)