Shiv Sena Leader Sanjay Raut Questions CJI's Impartiality After PM Modi's Visit

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has expressed concerns about Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud's impartiality following Prime Minister Modi's visit for Ganpati Puja. Raut questioned the propriety of such interactions amid an ongoing case involving the Maharashtra government, suggesting that the Chief Justice should recuse himself.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has voiced apprehensions about Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud's impartiality following Prime Minister Modi's visit to the CJI's residence for Ganpati Puja. During the event, the two prominent figures jointly performed an Aarti, raising questions about judicial fairness.

Raut drew attention to the Maharastra case in which Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sunil Prabhu has challenged Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar's ruling that recognizes Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led faction as the 'real' Shiv Sena. With the case under Chief Justice Chandrachud's review, Raut suggested that the recent social interaction casts doubt on the CJI's ability to deliver a fair judgment.

Expressing his concerns, Raut stated, "Our knowledge of God is such that if the custodians of the Constitution meet political leaders in this manner, then people have doubts." He added that the Prime Minister, who is actively involved in the case, should maintain a professional distance, implying that Chief Justice Chandrachud should recuse himself to ensure impartiality. Raut also criticized ongoing delays and the perceived undue interest of the Prime Minister in retaining the current Maharashtra government.

(With inputs from agencies.)