In India, the end of separation of powers and secularism

On September 11, 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a private religious ceremony hosted by Chief Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud. The ceremony involved Modi performing Hindu rituals for Ganapati puja, a prayer dedicated to the elephant-headed god Ganesh. This event marks a significant departure from the traditional separation of powers enshrined in the Indian Constitution, which aims to maintain a secular government and an independent judiciary. The public nature of the ceremony, complete with videographers and photographers, has raised alarms among legal experts and civil rights advocates. Indira Jaising, a prominent lawyer, noted that this is the first instance in Indian judicial history where a sitting chief justice has invited a sitting prime minister to such a public display of religiosity. This event has led to questions about the integrity and independence of the judiciary, as judges are expected to uphold the Constitution above all. Critics argue that Modi's actions blur the lines between politics and religion, a trend that has intensified since he took office in 2014. The prime minister has often positioned himself as a devout Hindu, participating in grand ceremonies that promote Hindu nationalism. This has coincided with a rise in hate crimes and violence against minorities, further complicating the political landscape in India. The implications of this event extend beyond the immediate spectacle, as it signals a potential shift in the relationship between the executive and judiciary branches. Legal experts warn that such displays could undermine the fundamental rights of citizens and erode the constitutional framework designed to protect them.