PM Modi Slams Attack on CJI Chandrachud, Hails His Dignity
Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the recent verbal attack on Chief Justice of India (CJI) D.Y. Chandrachud, stating that the incident had “angered every Indian.” Speaking at a public address on Tuesday, PM Modi also commended Justice Chandrachud for his composure and grace in the face of unwarranted criticism.
The controversy arose after a political leader reportedly made derogatory remarks questioning Justice Chandrachud’s impartiality and accusing him of bias in recent judicial decisions. These comments, widely shared on social media, sparked outrage among legal experts, politicians, and citizens, who viewed the attack as a threat to judicial independence.
PM Modi Defends Judiciary as Democracy’s Cornerstone
Addressing the issue, PM Modi emphasized the judiciary’s role as the foundation of India’s democracy. “The judiciary is the cornerstone of our democracy. Any attempt to undermine its integrity or question the credibility of our judges is unacceptable,” he said.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of respecting constitutional offices, particularly the judiciary, which he described as the guardian of the Constitution. “Our judges work tirelessly to uphold justice and fairness. They deserve our respect and support, not baseless accusations and personal attacks,” he added.
PM Modi also praised Justice Chandrachud for his dignified response, saying, “In the face of such unwarranted criticism, Justice Chandrachud has shown remarkable restraint and grace. His conduct is a testament to the strength and integrity of our judiciary.”
Legal Experts Warn Against Eroding Trust in Judiciary
The attack on Justice Chandrachud has reignited concerns about the growing trend of political leaders targeting judges and judicial decisions. Legal experts warn that such incidents could erode public trust in the judiciary and undermine the rule of law.
Former Attorney General of India, Mukul Rohatgi, echoed these concerns, stating, “The judiciary must remain independent and free from external pressures. Personal attacks on judges not only tarnish their reputation but also weaken the foundation of our democracy.”
Bar Council of India Condemns Attack, Calls for Action
The Bar Council of India (BCI) issued a statement condemning the attack and urging strict action against those responsible. “The judiciary is the backbone of our democracy, and any attempt to malign it will not be tolerated. We stand firmly with Justice Chandrachud and the entire judiciary in these challenging times,” the BCI said.
Opposition Leaders Rally to Support Judiciary
Opposition leaders, including Congress’s Rahul Gandhi, expressed solidarity with the judiciary. Gandhi tweeted, “The attack on Justice Chandrachud is a direct attack on the Constitution. We must stand united to protect the independence of our judiciary.”
Calls for Safeguarding Judicial Independence
As the controversy unfolds, legal experts are advocating for a broader conversation on protecting the judiciary from political interference. They argue that while criticism of judicial decisions is a legitimate part of democratic discourse, personal attacks on judges cross a dangerous line.
In his address, PM Modi urged citizens to rise above partisan politics and strengthen the nation’s institutions. “Let us not forget that the strength of our democracy lies in the strength of our institutions. We must all play our part in protecting and preserving them,” he concluded.
The incident highlights the delicate balance between freedom of expression and respect for constitutional authorities. Justice Chandrachud’s calm response serves as a reminder of the resilience of India’s judiciary, even in challenging times.
