Jagdeep Dhankhar vs Supreme Court News: Amid growing public debate over the separation of powers and sharp criticism of the Supreme Court by top political figures, government sources have issued a calibrated statement reaffirming the judiciary’s importance, calling it “paramount” and emphasizing that all pillars of Indian democracy are working “in tandem” toward a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
“Respect for the judiciary is paramount. All pillars of democracy are working in tandem for a Viksit Bharat. The judiciary and the legislature are two sides of the same coin,” NDTV quoted a source as saying.
This statement appears to be a carefully timed balancing act following Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s repeated critiques of the Supreme Court and similar remarks by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and other leaders, which triggered both judicial and political reactions.
Centre Walks Tightrope After Waqf Act Red Flags and Judicial-Executive Faceoff
The timing of the government’s remark also coincides with the Supreme Court red-flagging several provisions in the contentious Waqf Amendment Act. After the court raised concerns, the Centre reportedly paused implementation of certain aspects of the law and assured that pending petitions would be addressed through “due legal process.”
The same government source underlined this by stating: “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.”
Dhankhar’s Criticism and the Article 142 Debate
The broader controversy erupted after the Supreme Court’s landmark Tamil Nadu judgment, which imposed deadlines for the President and Governors to clear state legislature bills that are re-approved after initial rejection — a move designed to prevent political delays in constitutional processes.
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Vice President Dhankhar sharply criticized the judgment, particularly the court’s use of Article 142 of the Constitution, calling it a “nuclear missile against democratic forces” and asserting that elected representatives, not judges, are the ultimate “masters” of constitutional interpretation.
Earlier today, Dhankhar reiterated his stance, stating: “Parliament is supreme, and elected representatives are the ultimate masters of what constitutional content should be.”
BJP MPs’ Comments Spark Judicial Concern
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey added fuel to the fire, accusing the Supreme Court of “crossing its limits” and going so far as to blame the judiciary for “inciting religious wars” by questioning historical evidence in cases involving temples and mosques. Fellow BJP leader Dinesh Sharma also stirred controversy, insisting that “no one can challenge the President” and that the President remains “supreme.”
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In response to the backlash, the BJP leadership formally distanced itself from the statements, saying: “These are their personal statements, but the BJP neither agrees with nor supports such remarks. The BJP completely rejects these statements.”
Judiciary Reacts: “Not Worried” Says Justice Surya Kant
The judicial wing, however, is clearly aware of the political targeting. Justice BR Gavai, who is poised to become the next Chief Justice of India, remarked this week that the court has noted the increasing accusations of overreach into the executive’s domain.
Meanwhile, Justice Surya Kant, the third most senior judge of the Supreme Court, addressed the topic directly during a contempt of court hearing on Monday. In response to arguments that public criticism of the judiciary risks undermining trust, Justice Kant stated: “We are not worried… the institution comes under attack every day.”
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His remarks offer a calm but clear signal that India’s highest court remains unfazed by political commentary, even as the battle over constitutional supremacy continues to brew.
Growing Spotlight on Institutional Balance
The unfolding events — from the Waqf Amendment Act scrutiny to the ongoing war of words between the judiciary and top political figures — reflect a critical moment in India’s constitutional dialogue.
While the government walks a tightrope to assure both the judiciary and the public of its respect for democratic institutions, the courts seem equally committed to defending their constitutional mandate, signaling that India’s checks and balances remain very much alive, though under visible strain.
