Modi Chandrachud

My considered views on the Chandrachud Modi Ganesh Pooja public spectacle. 

It was completely wrong for Modi to visit the residence of the Chief Justice of India on a private visit. It was completely wrong of Chandrachud to entertain Modi at his residence on a private visit. 

This is an unforgivable transgression by Chandrachud which has caused immense irreparable harm to the Office of the Chief Justice of India, to the Supreme Court of India and to the concept of an independent, impartial, secular and strong Judiciary. 

The details of this visit remain unknown.

Was this visit initiated by Modi or Chandrachud. How long was Modi at Chandrachud's residence. Did Modi have tea with Chandrachud. Did Modi have dinner with Chandrachud. Did Modi and Chandrachud speak privately. What did they speak about. 

One thing is clear - All three individuals involved - Chandrachud, Modi and Kalpana Das - wanted this visit to be seen by the public. It was meant to be a public spectacle. Cameras were present. Videos were uploaded on Twitter by none other than Narendra Modi showing himself being welcomed by Chandrachud and his wife with folded hands. Videos were uploaded of Modi performing aarti of the Ganesh idol standing between Chandrachud and his wife, with Chandrachud singing and his wife with a musical instrument. A message was intended to be sent by the videos of this interaction. A message that Chandrachud and Modi are close, that Modi was a cherished guest at a religious (Hindu) private family pooja of the Chandrachuds. 

What is significant is that this spectacle was put on two months before Chandrachud retires as Chief Justice of India.  The significance of the timing of the public spectacle could be Chandrachud positioning himself for a post retirement career. What did Modi offer in return for Chandrachud agreeing to this public spectacle. How does Modi benefit from this public spectacle. How does Chandrachud expect to benefit from this public spectacle. 

The impact of this public spectacle on the image of the Supreme Court and on the administration of justice must be considered. What message does this public spectacle convey to litigants and potential litigants before the Supreme Court and to litigants before other courts whose Judges have been selected by Chandrachud. 

Modi and his close associate Amit Shah have been accused of gross human rights violations, crimes against muslims, murders, vendetta, corruption, misuse of Government agencies to target opponents, and a whole host other crimes. Not only does the Supreme Court and the Judiciary hear cases against the Government but they have also heard cases against Modi and for Modi. Modi can be a potential accused in a Supreme Court case again. Chandrachud's public spectacle can negatively effect the confidence of litigants and potential litigants in the Supreme Court or before other Courts if such litigants see Modi as their adversary.