In the midst of rising political criticism targeting India’s judiciary, Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant offered a measured response on Monday, asserting that the Supreme Court is not perturbed by routine attacks on its credibility and authority.
“We are not worried… the institution comes under attack every day,” Justice Kant remarked, downplaying sharp accusations leveled by Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. The senior judge’s observation came during a hearing in a contempt of court case linked to a media report from Karnataka, where the petitioner had urged the court to act against widespread public criticism to prevent erosion of trust in the judiciary.
Justice Surya Kant, who is second in line to become the next Chief Justice of India (CJI), made it clear that the Supreme Court’s commitment to constitutional duty remains unshaken despite the charged political atmosphere.
Political Firestorm Over Supreme Court’s Powers
The controversy erupted following the Supreme Court’s landmark verdict last month that set binding deadlines for the President of India and state Governors to clear bills sent by state legislatures — a decision seen as a move to curb indefinite delays in the legislative process.
In response, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, a constitutional office-holder and lawyer by profession, doubled down on his assertion that elected representatives — members of Parliament and state legislatures — are the “ultimate masters of the Constitution.”
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Speaking at a public event in Delhi hours before Justice Kant’s remarks, Dhankhar stated: “Elected representatives will be ultimate masters of what the Constitution will be. There cannot be any authority above them.”
Dhankhar also revisited the Emergency era of 1975, invoking the period to criticize the Supreme Court’s role in permitting the suspension of fundamental rights — an event the ruling BJP frequently references to attack the Congress party.
BJP MP’s “Anarchy” Remark Triggers Judicial Concern
The verbal sparring intensified after BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accused the Supreme Court of “taking India towards anarchy” — a comment now under judicial review. The court is expected to hear a plea against Dubey’s remarks next week.
Interestingly, while the BJP has publicly distanced itself from both Dhankhar’s and Dubey’s statements, no disciplinary action has been taken against the leaders. Top government sources, meanwhile, told NDTV that the “respect for the judiciary is paramount” and reiterated the importance of maintaining harmony between all constitutional pillars.
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The latest war of words underscores an ongoing tug-of-war over the interpretation and supremacy of the Indian Constitution between the judiciary and elected representatives.
While the Supreme Court has historically acted as the ultimate guardian of the Constitution, recent political rhetoric has reignited debate over the separation of powers, with some leaders asserting Parliament’s supremacy over constitutional matters.
