Bollywood actress Swara Bhaskar, known for her outspoken nature, has once again grabbed headlines, this time for her criticism of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud. The actress, who often shares her opinions on social and political issues, took a dig at the CJI for his recent remarks regarding the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case.
CJI Chandrachud’s Comments on Ayodhya Case
CJI DY Chandrachud recently visited his native village, Kanhersar, in Pune’s Khed Taluka, where he spoke about his professional experiences. During his speech, he recalled the Ayodhya dispute, one of the most significant and sensitive cases that had come before him. Chandrachud shared that, in the absence of a clear legal solution, he prayed to God, asking for divine intervention to resolve the issue. His remarks suggested that faith played a role in the eventual decision of the case.
These comments, although days old, have sparked fresh debates, especially with Bhaskar now adding her voice to the conversation.
Swara Bhaskar’s Response
Swara Bhaskar took to Instagram to share her thoughts on the matter. In her Instagram story, she wrote, “It was a natural move by the Supreme Justice of the country to blame God for his bad decision.” With this post, Bhaskar raised questions about the intersection of faith and justice, especially in such a monumental legal case. Her comment also implied that relying on divine intervention in legal matters might not align with the principles of justice.
This isn’t the first time Bhaskar has expressed strong opinions on judiciary-related matters, but her remarks on CJI Chandrachud’s comments have drawn significant attention.
Political Reactions and Criticism
Swara Bhaskar isn’t the only one to criticize CJI Chandrachud’s statements. The Shiv Sena, through its mouthpiece Saamana, also took issue with his remarks. In an editorial, the party questioned whether justice was being delivered according to the law and the Constitution or if divine intervention was influencing legal decisions.
The editorial sarcastically asked, “Before which God did the Chief Justice sit for prayer? Was it Vishnu’s thirteenth incarnation or fourteenth?” It added that while the Ram temple in Ayodhya was built after the verdict, the judges should remain focused on the law rather than matters of faith. The Saamana piece concluded by emphasizing the importance of separating the court from religious beliefs and staying true to the legal process.
What Did the CJI Say?
CJI Chandrachud’s remarks came during his visit to Kanhersar, where he reflected on his time dealing with the Ayodhya dispute. He stated that when he was presiding over the case, he struggled to find a clear resolution and turned to God for guidance. He expressed his belief that faith could sometimes help in finding a solution, and that he had prayed for one.
The Ayodhya Verdict in 2019
It’s worth noting that the final verdict on the Ayodhya dispute was delivered in November 2019. A five-judge Supreme Court bench, led by then-CJI Ranjan Gogoi, ruled in favor of building the Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya, effectively ending a decades-old legal battle. The decision was met with mixed reactions across the country, and the comments of CJI Chandrachud now add another layer to the conversation surrounding the case.
Swara Bhaskar’s sharp criticism of CJI Chandrachud’s remarks has further fueled discussions on the role of faith in legal judgments, especially in sensitive and historic cases like the Ayodhya dispute.