Opinion PM Modi and CJI Chandrachud’s display of faith is personal, not political

Criticism of this shows little understanding of Indian traditions — democratic, religious, cultural

The fact that the prime minister himself posted this video in the public domain demonstrates the kind of transparency, ethics and propriety followed by these two constitutional authorities steering India. It is the sinister which is hidden. It is the pure which is shared. The video was shared in the same spirit. (C R Sasikumar)

Bhupender Yadav

September 13, 2024 12:22 PM IST First published on: Sep 13, 2024 at 07:30 AM IST

New beginnings in life accompany hopes of positivity. In the Indian religio-cultural milieu, people offer prayers to Ganapati before they start new ventures, acquire new possessions, or embark on new journeys. Ganesh Chaturthi, or Vinayaka Chavithi, is celebrated with great gusto from the north to the south of India. It is as much a celebration of India in all its colours, as it is of faith itself.

Festivities are also occasions of coming together. They are opportunities to pray, eat and bond. A controversy over who celebrates the festival with whom is as unfortunate as it is frivolous.

Images of the prime minister of the world’s largest democracy celebrating a festival with the chief justice of a country where the judiciary is not just respected, but also revered, sent out a message of positivity and bonding. PM Narendra Modi and CJI D Y Chandrachud, two men who carry the expectations of 140 crore Indians to create a progressive, just society with an inclusive growth trajectory, partaking in Ganesh Pooja at the CJI’s residence offered visuals that symbolise secularism in its truest nature. The visuals reflected the health of Indian institutions that don’t work at cross-purposes, rather together, for one goal — taking India ahead.

There are many who upon seeing the visuals waxed eloquent about how the CJI and his family welcoming the Prime Minister of India at their house and praying together spelt trouble for Indian democratic traditions. Truth be told, these people have little knowledge or understanding of Indian traditions — democratic, religious, cultural or otherwise.

In one of his interactions, the late jurist, Fali Nariman, mentioned how former Bombay High Court Chief Justice MC Chagla and then Chief Minister Morarji Desai used to meet once a month over tea to discuss any issues they may have had. Nobody objected to it. Even then CJI Balakrishnan attended an Iftar party hosted by former PM and Congress leader Manmohan Singh. Such examples are a dime a dozen. No hullabaloo broke out because decency in politics, which the BJP practised even as the principal Opposition, respected the fine line between the personal and political.

Institutional and personal interaction between the members of judiciary and executive is not alien to Indian democracy. In fact, this is essential for healthier functioning of democracy.

Counsels who represent their clients before learned judges also socialise together. No motive is ascribed to the moments the two sides share on a personal level. Political opponents also come together both in hours of happiness and grief. To corner the PM and the CJI over their personal choice to come together for a pooja reflects petty politics and a deliberate will to paint Indian institutions as compromised. This has been an ongoing project of the Opposition.

The Indian government and the CJI have had differing views on more issues than one in the judicial arena. Both have heard out each other’s views in keeping with the highest judicial practices of the country. In many cases, the government has been questioned. The same people casting aspersions on the motive of the “PM-CJI meet” had hailed the courts then. The government, on its part, has spelt out its views cogently before the Honourable Court in all such matters. Both sides have shown integrity and decency in handling such matters in furtherance of Indian traditions where ways to the most complex issues are found through discussions and debates, but not confrontations.

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In the same spirit, the PM-CJI chose to practise their faith together. It is unfortunate that the incident is being used for politics. The precedent can be rather dangerous. Constantly trying to create doubts in the minds of the people with regards to the institutions that govern them is a dog-whistle for anarchy.

Personal life of judges or the head of government should not be used as a tool to cast aspersions on their competence or integrity.

Coming together is characteristic of Indian festivals. Even foreign leaders pose for photos and videos merrily on festivals like Holi and Diwali. This sharing is our strength. Let us celebrate this strength in the spirit it deserves. Politics can wait!

Bhupender Yadav is Union Cabinet Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change