New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached the residence of Chief Justice of India, Justice DY Chandrachud on Wednesday (Sep 11) to partake in the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. Images and videos of PM Modi being greeted by the CJI and his wife and later conducting the 'pooja' (worship) have gone viral on social media. However, not everyone is seemingly impressed by the optics of the meet. 

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Clad in his usual attire with a traditional Maharashtrian cap, PM Modi offered prayers to Lord Ganesha who is celebrated with fervour across the country during the 10-day festival. 

"Joined Ganesh Puja at the residence of CJI, Justice DY Chandrachud Ji. May Bhagwan Shri Ganesh bless us all with happiness, prosperity and wonderful health," PM Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter).

As soon as the clips of PM Modi and the CJI together went viral, Opposition leaders as well as former judiciary members came out with their criticism. 

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Senior lawyer Indira Jaising said she had "lost all confidence" in the independence of the judiciary and urged the bar association to condemn the move. 

"Chief Justice of India has compromised the separation of powers between the Executive and Judiciary. Lost all confidence in the independence of the CJI. The SCBA must condemn this publicly displayed compromise of the Independence of the CJI from the Executive," wrote Jaising. 

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Former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan also condemned the meeting between the heads of two branches of the government. 

"Shocking that CJI Chandrachud allowed Modi to visit him at his residence for a private meeting," said Bhushan. 

"Sends a very bad signal to the judiciary which is tasked with the responsibility of protecting fundamental right of citizens from the executive & ensuring that the govt acts within bounds of Constitution," he added. 

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Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also criticised the meeting and sarcastically commented that the CJI would hopefully conclude the hearings related to Article 10. 

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The festival concludes on September 17 when devotees across the country will bid farewell to Lord Ganesha by immersing his idols. 

(With inputs from agencies)