Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and Rajya Sabha MP, Ram Gopal Yadav, has sparked a massive controversy after allegedly making an objectionable comment about Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud. The incident took place during a media interaction where Yadav appeared to make a controversial remark when asked about the CJI’s recent comments on the Ayodhya Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute.
The controversy began when Yadav was questioned about CJI Chandrachud’s statement regarding his prayers during the deliberation of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case. Yadav allegedly made a derogatory comment, referencing “ghosts” and indirectly dismissing the significance of the CJI’s remarks. He said, “When you bring ghosts back to life, they become ghosts and start following justice. Where are they now?… Forget it, all such people keep on saying such things. Should I take notice of them?”
His comment quickly spread across social media, leading to widespread backlash. The nature of his words was perceived as an insult directed at the CJI, who had earlier shared a personal reflection on his spiritual approach to resolving the contentious Ayodhya dispute.
Days earlier, CJI DY Chandrachud had made a public statement discussing his experience while presiding over the Ayodhya dispute case. Speaking in his native Pune, he shared that during the deliberation period, which lasted for three months, he had turned to prayer in search of a resolution. He emphasised the importance of faith and how it had played a crucial role in guiding him through the process.
“I sat before the deity and told him he needed to find a solution. Believe me, if you have faith, God will always find a way,” Chandrachud said, reflecting on his spiritual belief that faith can pave the way to answers in difficult situations. His comments were a personal insight into his mindset during the time of the landmark judgment.
The Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute was one of the most significant and sensitive cases handled by the Indian judiciary, with historical, religious, and political dimensions. In November 2019, a five-judge bench, including CJI Chandrachud, pronounced the verdict that allowed the construction of a Ram Mandir on the disputed land in Ayodhya. The decision ended decades of legal and political strife.
Facing widespread criticism for his remarks, Ram Gopal Yadav was quick to offer a clarification. In his defense, Yadav claimed that his words had been misinterpreted and that he never intended to make any comment about CJI Chandrachud. He asserted that he was responding to a question about an unrelated incident of violence in Bahraich and not about the CJI’s statement.
“Nobody asked me anything about the CJI. The CJI is a very reputed person. I never made any comment on him. I was asked about Bahraich (violence) and I responded to that,” Yadav told news agency media in an attempt to downplay the controversy.
Yadav also reiterated his respect for the CJI, describing him as an “excellent man” and expressing regret for the misunderstanding. However, his explanation has done little to quell the storm on social media, with many accusing him of trying to backtrack on his comments under public pressure.
As the controversy grew, reporters turned to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav for a response. When asked about his uncle’s controversial statement, Akhilesh distanced himself from the issue, stating that he was not aware of Ram Gopal Yadav’s remarks. He emphasised that the party holds the judiciary in high regard and that there was no intention to disrespect CJI Chandrachud.
“We all respect the CJI,” Akhilesh Yadav told reporters, maintaining the party’s official stance on the matter. He did not offer further comments on the specifics of his uncle’s controversial remark.
CJI Chandrachud’s involvement in the Ayodhya Ram Mandir-Babri Masjid case is part of a long-standing legal and political dispute that dates back decades. The conflict revolves around the claim that the Babri Masjid, a 16th-century mosque, was built on the birthplace of Bhagwan Ram after a Mandir was destroyed. The dispute saw heightened tensions, communal violence, and legal battles over the years.
On November 9, 2019, the Supreme Court’s verdict allowed the construction of a Ram Mandir at the disputed site while also allotting a five-acre plot for the construction of a mosque in Ayodhya. This decision, which was seen as a significant moment in India’s judicial history, sought to bring closure to one of the most divisive issues in the country.
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