CJI Chandrachud Visits Dwarkadhish Temple In Gujarat: Why The Controversy?

New Delhi: Chief Justice DY Chandrachud has been under scrutiny following his visit to Dwarkhish Temple in Gujarat, where he was seen donning saffron robes. Chief Justice, during his visit, encouraged district court lawyers to work in a manner that ensures persistence of 'flag of justice' for future generations, drawing inspiration from temple's flags. However, this statement and his temple visit have ignited a fresh debate, with politicians and public commentators expressing criticism towards Chief Justice. In this article, let's understand, what controversy is all about.

How Controversy Started?

controversy started with CJI Chandrachud's visit to Dwarkhish Temple in Gujarat. Later, while dressing a garing at inauguration of a new district court building in Gujarat’s Rajkot, CJI Chandrachud said, "Dhwaja (flag) of Dwarkheesh temple, which is similar to one at temple of Lord Jagannath at Puri in Odisha, has a special meaning for people from judicial community. Look at this universality of transition in our nation which binds all of us toger. This 'dhwaja' has a special meaning for us, and that meaning which 'dhwaja' gives us is that re is some unifying force above all of us, as lawyers, judges, and citizens - and that unifying force above all of us, as lawyers, judges, and citizens - and that unifying force is our humanity, which is governed by rule of law and Constitution of India."

"Beyond mere physical structure, our building represents a commitment and a promise - a promise that pursuit of justice within its wall will be characterised by swiftness, accessibility and impartiality," he ded.

CJI's Temple Visit Draws Ire 

Historian and author Ramachandra Guha has remarked on stark disparity between principles of orthodox Hindu trition and foundational ideals of India's Constitution. Expressing surprise, Guha underlined that Chief Justice seems oblivious to this significant gap. Criticising furr, Guha said,"Considering current state of nation, such actions(Chief Justice's public display of temple visits) by a serving Chief Justice give rise to disconcerting inquiries about his judgment.

Agreeing with Guha, senior vocate Prashant Bhushan took to X and shared Guha's column published in a leing English daily. "What Gandhi would have me of CJI's publicised visit to Dwarkanath Temple cl in a Saffron robe. Re Ramachandra Guha. "Gandhi himself virtually never went to a Hindu temple. Though Gandhi described himself as a Hindu, his chosen mode of worship was inter-faith meeting, held on open ground, where Hindus, Muslims, Parsis, Sikhs, Jains and Christians would pray toger, with verses of all ir scriptures being re. That was his original and deeply moving way of affirming principle that India belonged to all faiths equally".

Besides, AIMIM chief Asuddin Owaisi also objected to CJI's 'Dhwaja' remark. "For me, only dhwaja that signifies unity of all Indians is Tiranga (tricolour). It is strange to call symbol of one faith as symbol of humanity. It is even stranger when such words are uttered by constitutional authorities. Watan-e-Aziz has no religion, it celebrates every religion", Owaisi wrote on X. 

What Does Saffron Flag Signify? 

saffron flag, often associated with Hinduism, holds various meanings depending on context and specific cultural or religious group using it. Here are a few common interpretations:

• Hinduism: Saffron is considered a sacred and auspicious colour in Hinduism. saffron flag, also known as Bhagwa Dhwaja, is often associated with Hindu dharma and symbolizes purity, spirituality, and quest for salvation (moksha).
• Nationalism: In some political contexts, especially in India, saffron flag has been opted by nationalist and Hindu nationalist movements. It is often used as a symbol of pride in Indian cultural and religious identity.
• Buddhism: Saffron is also significant in Buddhism, where it represents path of ascetic and is associated with robes worn by Buddhist monks. Buddha himself is often depicted wearing saffron-coloured robes.
• Sikhs: In Sikhism, saffron holds a place of significance and is one of colours in Nishan Sahib, Sikh flag. It represents courage and sacrifice.