In a recent event, the “mother of democracy,” Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, finds himself in the limelight for reasons that have stirred controversy. Speaking to residents of his native Kanhersar village, he revealed an unorthodox approach to legal matters: a heartfelt conversation with a deity regarding the resolution of the historic Ayodhya Ram Mandir dispute. “I sat before the deity and told him he needs to find a solution,” he candidly admitted, as if awaiting divine judgment might become the next trend in legal proceedings. So, it appears that Lord Rama is now deciding the fate of his own temple—nothing political, of course.

CJI Chandrachud emphasized the importance of faith, stating, “Believe me, if you have faith, God will always find a way.” However, this has led to significant criticism of his unusual public displays of religious sentiment. Earlier this year, he was photographed with Prime Minister Modi, performing arti and offering prayers at the idol of Lord Ganesha in his residence. This raises the question: Is it now acceptable for public figures to showcase their religious preferences?

Political commentators have seized on these revelations. Congress leaders have criticized Chandrachud’s remarks as a blatant distraction from pressing judicial matters, such as the alleged misuse of investigative agencies. Meanwhile, the BJP condemned his statements as disrespectful to the judiciary, labeling Congress as anti-India. Former Supreme Court Bar Association President Dushyant Dave added fuel to the fire, suggesting that Chandrachud seeks publicity and undermines the court’s integrity.

The optics of the situation cannot be ignored. With CJI Chandrachud previously spotted alongside Prime Minister Modi performing an arti for Lord Ganesha, it seems increasingly clear that religious devotion may be becoming a fashionable accessory for public figures.

This raises a provocative question: Are we heading toward a judicial system where verdicts are determined by divine will? As his retirement looms on November 10, 2024, one wonders if future litigants will come prepared with offerings or prayers rather than legal briefs. After all, if “India is running as a vishwaguru on the basis of faith in Ram,” why not let the gods have a say in our legal decisions too?

If India is indeed embracing a vishwaguru role based on faith in religious practices, it is not surprising that the Chief Justice is also relying on divine guidance. How do you feel about a judiciary that seeks divine intervention?

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