New Delhi: A controversy has emerged over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attendance at the Ganpati Puja celebrations at Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud’s residence. The BJP and its allies have criticised Opposition parties for their reactions, labeling them as "reckless" and accusing them of casting "baseless aspersions" on the judiciary, which they argue sets a dangerous precedent.

Prime Minister Modi participated in the Ganpati Puja at the CJI's residence on Wednesday. A video showed Chandrachud and his wife Kalpana Das welcoming Modi to their home. 

The visit has sparked sharp criticism from several opposition leaders and some Supreme Court lawyers.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut questioned the propriety of the visit, stating, "Ganpati Utsav is being celebrated, and people visit each other's homes. I don't have information on whether the Prime Minister has visited anyone else’s home, but the fact that he visited the CJI’s residence and performed 'aarti' together raises doubts about the impartiality of the guardians of the Constitution."

Senior lawyer Indira Jaising also criticised the visit, claiming that it undermines the separation of powers between the executive and the judiciary. On X, Jaising expressed a loss of confidence in the CJI’s independence and called for public condemnation from the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA).

In response, BJP national general secretary (Organisation) B L Santhosh dismissed the criticism, asserting that the visit was a devoted Ganpati Puja and not a social event. He labeled the opposition's reaction as overblown, stating, "Left liberals are upset that the Prime Minister attended the CJI’s Ganapati Puja. Civility and cordiality seem to be anathema to them. The SCBA is not a moral compass."

Santhosh further remarked, "Yesterday’s Puja and Aarti seem to have disturbed many across the country." 

Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP Milind Deora also condemned the critics, calling their commentary "reckless" and accusing them of undermining the credibility of the judiciary. He noted that the opposition praises the Supreme Court when verdicts are favourable, but disparages it when decisions do not align with their interests. 

Deora stressed that attempting to tarnish the CJI’s credibility is both irresponsible and damaging to the institution. He defended the current CJI’s integrity and criticised those seeking to undermine his legacy, stating that their actions are against the nation's best interests. (Agencies)