A few days ago, an image started circulating on social media platforms and even made its way to some news outlets. The image depicted Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Union Home Minister Amit Shah sharing a stage during the Independence Day celebration at the Red Fort. The viral image, accompanied by misleading captions, gave rise to claims that the Home Minister intentionally ignored the CJI when he greeted him. The news was initially circulated by a self-proclaimed media house, Megh Updates [archive]
Upon our closer investigation, we found that the claims propagated through the viral image were far from accurate. In fact, the image failed to capture the complete interaction between Amit Shah and CJI Chandrachud. A comprehensive video of the event depicted a different story. Both individuals, in reality, greeted each other with warmth and respect. The video clearly shows that they exchanged pleasantries by folding and shaking hands before Amit Shah turned his attention elsewhere.
The longer video recording of the event shed light on the true nature of the interaction. Once Amit Shah moved away, CJI Chandrachud extended a courteous gesture towards someone else in attendance, Amit Shah’s wife, Sonal Shah, who was positioned behind him. However, due to cropping and framing, the context of the interaction was lost in the viral image.
At the 0:05 mark of the video, Amit Shah and Sonal Shah stood up to greet CJI Chandrachud. Amit Shah extended his hand and engaged in a handshake with the Chief Justice. Following this, at the 0:09 timestamp, CJI Chandrachud, in a gesture of politeness, folded his hands and greeted Sonal Shah as well. She reciprocated the gesture with a smile, as evidenced at the 0:10 mark. Unfortunately, due to framing, the moment involving Sonal Shah was omitted, creating an incomplete depiction of the event.
It becomes evident that the image circulated with claims of an intentional snub by the Home Minister towards the CJI holds no truth. The selective use of imagery misrepresented a cordial exchange between two dignitaries during a significant national event. Propaganda accounts used the small clip to showcase that this could be a signal of underlying tensions between the government and the judiciary. Following comprehensive analysis and meticulous fact-checking, our team has investigated the claim. You can refer to the findings of this inquiry in the Twitter thread embedded below.
Claim: Viral image suggests Union Home Minister Amit Shah intentionally ignored CJI DY Chandrachud during the Independence Day celebration at the Red Fort.
Fact: An analysis of the extended video footage reveals that Amit Shah and CJI DY Chandrachud exchanged greetings cordially during the event, refuting the claim of intentional disregard. The misleading image is a result of cropping and lacks the context of the complete interaction.
In our pursuit of accurate and unbiased information, we’ve diligently fact-checked the claims surrounding the incident. Misinformation can sow discord and disrupt communal harmony. Your support matters greatly in our mission to foster an informed and united society. Together, let’s strive to make India and Indians proud, upholding truth and unity. Jai Hind.
Also Read: Fake Postcard Quoting Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud Circulates as Real : Fact-Check
