• Source:JND
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Outgoing Chief Justice of India, DY Chandrachud, has spoken up against criticism that he came across after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited his house for Ganesh Puja. CJI Chandrachud said heads of governments in states and the Centre meeting the CJI of the Supreme Court or high courts doesn’t mean a deal has been materialised between them.

While answering a question related to this at the Loksatta annual lecture, CJI said CMs and Chief Justices of the high courts should hold regular meetings. He pointed out that state governments allocate budgets for the functioning of courts (excluding judges' salaries), and much needs to be done to improve court infrastructure.

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"People think why these meetings. The maturity of our political system lies in the fact that there is a great deal of deference to the judiciary even in the political class. It is known. The judiciary's budget is from the state. This budget is not for judges. We need new court buildings, new residences for judges in districts. For this, the Chief Justice and Chief Minister's meetings are necessary," he said.

Chief Justice Chandrachud noted that he had served as the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court. He said a chief justice would visit the Chief Minister's residence, and in turn, the Chief Minister would come to visit the former at his home. He emphasised that development projects related to the judiciary would be delayed if the Chief Minister and Chief Justice only communicated through letters.

"When the Chief Justice is appointed, they go the Chief Minister's house. Then, the Chief Minister comes to the Chief Justice's house. These meetings have set agenda. Say, 10 projects are going on in the state, what is the infra, the budget? The Chief Minister informs the priorities for these projects. Wouldn't you have to meet for this? If this happens over letters, the work will never get completed," CJI said.

"There is a great deal of maturity in the political system. In the course of these meetings, never would the Chief Minister ask about a pending case. On August 14, and January 26, a wedding or mourning, the Chief Minister and the Chief Justice meet each other, there is no bearing on judicial work. People ask what deals are happening. This is just part of a robust dialogue," he added.

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CJI Chandrachud’s meeting with PM Modi had sparked controversy with Opposition leaders raising several questions.  

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