Modi, Chandrachud meeting not the first time PM-CJI met for a private function

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday visited CJI DY Chandrachud's residence for Ganesh Chaturthi Puja, an image that was not received well by the Opposition who questioned the kind of message it sends across.

From Congress to NCP to CPI(M), opposition leaders did not hold back after a video of PM Modi performing puja alongside the Chief Justice went viral. Many have raised eyebrows at the functioning of the judiciary and raised doubts about whether CJI Chandrachud will "deem fit" to conclude future hearings.

However, this is not the first time a CJI has met a prime minister on a personal note.

When Manmohan Singh hosted CJI Balakrishnan

Back in 2009, former prime minister Manmohan Singh hosted the then-CJI KG Balakrishnan for an iftar party at his residence.

Sharing the images of the informal meeting on X, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said, "PM Manmohan Singh's Iftaar Party was attended by then CJI KG Balakrishnan, judiciary is safe! PM Modi attends Ganesh Puja at current CJI House - oh God Judiciary compromised."

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BJP hits back

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, BJP MP Sambit Patra said, "The leaders of the Opposition are doing politics over the Ganesh prayers offered by PM Modi at CJI Chandrachud's residence yesterday... Should the different pillars of democracy not converge? Should they be enemies?... Should they have no courtesies towards each other?... This is the beauty of democracy that there are different behaviours while being on and off duty."

Similarly, Union Minister Piyush Goyal said, "I condemn the Opposition's reaction. People will not forgive the Opposition for doing such low-level politics over a religious function."