PM Modi visit to CJI residence: Raut doubts getting fair verdict in Sena vs Sena case

Raut, hence, advised him to recuse himself from the case that was filed following a split in the Shiv Sena and downfall of the previous Uddhav Thackeray-led government in 2022.

“Chandrachud is retiring in November. The Ganesh festival is celebrated at several places in Delhi too. But I am not sure if Modi has visited any of the houses other than of CJI Chandrachud. He visited Chandrachud’s house and together performed the Aarti,” Raut said.

He also asked if the Prime Minister, who is also a party in the case, and the Chief Justice, who is going to deliver the verdict in the case, were following the Constitution and protocol.

The Sena vs Sena case challenges the Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar’s decision not to disqualify Shiv Sena MLAs owing allegiance to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

“Can the custodian of law meet political persons in such a manner? The people are raising these doubts… I feel Chandrachud should dissociate from the case as his relationship with the head of the country is clearly visible,” Raut said.

“Why are we not getting justice in the court case we are fighting in the matter of extra-constitutional government in Maharashtra. Why are fresh dates given? Now we have doubts whether we will get justice,” Raut asked, questioning the logic behind not pronouncing a verdict in the Sena versus Sena case even after three years.

“The government was overthrown in an unconstitutional manner. An unconstitutional government is functioning. But the decision and verdict are not being delivered, and he (CJI Chandrachud) is now retiring. By looking at this relationship we doubt if we will get justice,” he added.

However, Sena leader from Eknath Shinde group Milind Deora hit back at the critics and termed the “reckless commentary” on PM Modi’s visit to the CJI’s residence as unfortunate.

“When verdicts favour them, the opposition praises the Supreme Court’s credibility, but when things don’t go their way, they conveniently claim the judiciary is compromised,” the Rajya Sabha MP said in a post on X.

Casting such baseless aspersions on the highest court sets a dangerous precedent, he added.

“This reckless attempt to undermine the credibility of the CJI by the Opposition is not only irresponsible but also damaging to the institution’s integrity. India’s politics is taking an ugly turn,” Deora said.

The era of “arbitrary judicial appointments” is long gone and the incumbent CJI has served his office with immense integrity, he added.

Union Minister and BJP MP Bhupender Yadav said that “different arms of the country coming together to mark Ganesha’s greatness is a welcome sign for a healthy democracy, and reflective of our traditions that believe in celebrating together”.

“Ganpati is the God of auspicious beginnings. He is a symbol of positivity,” said Yadav.

“Those filled with negativity must in the interest of society’s well-being and religious harmony refrain from casting aspersions on occasions that are symbolic of goodness and greatness of India’s rich traditions,” he said on X.