PM Modi at CJI’s Puja: Uddhav’s Sena leader Raut doubts receiving justice from CJI
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In the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the Chief Justice of India’s home for the Ganpati Puja, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest in handling their case involving the split faction of Shiv Sena-led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Raut expressed concerns that the CJI’s interest could influence the verdict, raising apprehensions about receiving justice for the Uddhav Thackeray faction from Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and urging the CJI to recuse himself from the case to avoid any appearance of bias.
The case at the centre of the controversy challenges Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar’s decision not to disqualify Shiv Sena MLAs aligned with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The legal dispute stems from the split within the Shiv Sena, where the Thackeray faction has accused the Shinde group of overthrowing their government in an unconstitutional manner.
Raut criticised the delays in delivering a verdict, claiming the three-year wait without resolution has led to doubts about judicial impartiality. He questioned whether the prolonged scheduling of the case and the Prime Minister’s recent visit were in line with constitutional norms and judicial protocol.
Raut’s comments come at a time when the Supreme Court is yet to deliver its decision on the legitimacy of the Shinde-led government in Maharashtra. The Uddhav Thackeray-led faction has expressed frustration over what it sees as undue delays and questioned the judiciary’s role in the ongoing political crisis.
On the other hand, leaders from the Eknath Shinde group defended the judiciary, dismissing Raut’s allegations as reckless. They argued that such accusations only emerge when judicial outcomes do not align with the opposition’s interests, and cautioned against undermining the credibility of the country’s highest court.
They warned that casting aspersions on the judiciary could set a dangerous precedent, particularly when Chief Justice Chandrachud has served with distinction throughout his tenure.