If we meet, it does not mean that a deal has been made… What did the Chief Justice say on the judges’ meeting with the head of the government?

New Delhi: This year, during Ganesh Chaturthi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reached the residence of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. At that time he/she had also performed Ganpati Puja, regarding which opposition parties had raised questions. Now CJI DY Chandrachud has broken his/her silence in this matter. he/she said that whenever the Chief Justice of the High Court and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court meet the heads of the states and the Central Government, they never discuss any case. These meetings are often related to administrative matters. This does not mean that there is no deal in this.

What did CJI Chandrachud say?

CJI Chandrachud is retiring from the post of CJI on November 10. he/she pointed out that meetings of judges of heads of government are necessary as state governments pass budgets for the judiciary. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court said that we meet but it does not mean that any deal is finalized. We have to be in communication with the Chief Minister (CM) of the state because he/she has to give the budget for the judiciary and this budget is not for judges. If we do not meet and depend only on letters, our work will not be successful.

Broke silence on meeting PM Modi

CJI Chandrachud further said that when we meet, believe me, there is a lot of maturity in the political system. In my experience never in those meetings, any CM would speak about the pending matter. he/she stressed that the judiciary is completely independent. he/she pointed out that there is a difference between the functions of the judiciary and the government on the administrative side. Last month, the opposition had raised questions over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the CJI’s residence. The opposition had also raised questions about PM Modi attending the puja along with Chief Justice Chandrachud and his/her wife.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna Profile: Justice Sanjiv Khanna will be the next CJI, government approved, know complete profile

PM Modi and Sanjay Raut raised questions at CJI’s residence

Regarding PM Modi’s visit to CJI Chandrachud’s residence, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut had said that such conversations between constitutional officers and political leaders can weaken the trust in the judiciary. he/she had said that the Prime Minister visited the CJI’s residence and they performed aarti together. Our concern is that when the guardian of the Constitution meets political leaders in this manner, it creates suspicion. Our case in Maharashtra, which involves the present government. It is being heard before the Chief Justice and the Prime Minister is part of it. We are worried about whether we will get justice? The Chief Justice should consider recusing himself from this case.

Chandrachud told why these meetings are necessary

CJI Chandrachud said that the administrative relationship between the Supreme Court and the present government is separate from the judicial functions performed by the apex court. It is a tradition that the CM or the Chief Justice meet each other at the time of festivals or condolence meetings. But surely we must understand that this has no bearing on our judicial functions. We must understand that no one will make a ‘deal’ in a meeting being watched by the public.

CJI said – Judiciary is completely independent

CJI Chandrachud said that we must accept that there should be an ongoing dialogue, and not at all in the context of the work that we do as judges. Because, as judges, we are completely independent in the work we do. But in many ways, there is a difference between the work of the judiciary and the government on the administrative side. Let us tell you that CJI Chandrachud is retiring on 10th November. In his/her place, Justice Sanjiv Khanna will be the next Chief Justice of India. he/she will take oath on November 11.