Damage Control? Centre Says Respect For Judiciary 'Paramount' Amid Row Over Dissenting BJP leaders

Top government sources have stated that "respect for the judiciary is paramount" and stressed that all democratic institutions are functioning in harmony towards the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India).

The comments appear to be a conciliatory gesture following recent criticism of the judiciary by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and certain BJP leaders, which has drawn the attention of senior judges, reported NDTV.

Photo Credit: PTI

This clarification comes shortly after the Supreme Court flagged certain provisions in the controversial Waqf Amendment Act, which has triggered protests in various parts of the country. Following the court's concerns, the Centre has suspended implementation of parts of the legislation.

Sources said the government will address all pending Waqf-related petitions in the Supreme Court through proper legal channels.

"Everyone has the right to knock on the doors of the Supreme Court. The Union of India will present its side in the Supreme Court," the source added.

The government's statement affirming respect for the judiciary closely follows strong remarks made by Vice President Dhankhar, who also serves as the chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

He criticised the Supreme Court for its ruling in the Tamil Nadu case, which effectively set a timeline for the President and Governors to act on Bills passed a second time by state legislatures.

"We cannot have a situation where you direct the President of India and on what basis... Article 142 has become a nuclear missile against democratic forces, available to the judiciary 24 x 7," Dhankhar had said.

He doubled down on his position today, asserting that Parliament is "supreme" and that elected representatives are the ultimate arbiters of constitutional content.

In its judgment, the Supreme Court had asserted that only the courts have the authority to assess a Bill's constitutionality and that the Executive must show restraint in such matters.

In the wake of this landmark ruling, a number of BJP leaders criticised the judiciary. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey questioned the Court's role, saying, "The Supreme Court is crossing its limits... When the Ram Mandir, Krishna Janmabhoomi, or Gyanvapi issue arises, you (Supreme Court) say, 'Show us the paper'. But for mosques built after the Mughals came, you are saying how will you show papers? The Supreme Court is responsible for inciting religious wars in this country."

He also questioned how the judiciary could impose deadlines on the President and Governors.

BJP leader Dinesh Sharma added that the President is "supreme" and cannot be challenged.

In response, the BJP officially distanced itself from the remarks. "The Bharatiya Janata Party has nothing to do with the statements made by BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey and Dinesh Sharma on the judiciary and the Chief Justice of the country. These are their personal statements, but the BJP neither agrees with nor supports such statements. The BJP completely rejects these statements."

The Opposition, meanwhile, accused the ruling party of intimidating the judiciary and attempting to undermine its authority.

Senior justices of the Supreme Court have taken note of the controversy. Justice BR Gavai, who is due to become the next Chief Justice of India, remarked twice yesterday that the judiciary is being accused of encroaching on the Executive's domain.

Justice Surya Kant, currently the third most senior judge in the apex court, today commented that the judiciary is "attacked every day" but insisted they are "not worried".

His statement came while hearing a contempt case concerning a newspaper report from Karnataka. The lawyer in the case cited the frequent public criticism of the judiciary and asked the court to take note. In response, Justice Surya Kant remarked that he was "not worried about the institution..."