Parliament is supreme: Jagdeep Dhankhar doubles down on criticism of judiciary

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, while speaking at Delhi University on Tuesday, doubled down on criticism of judicial ‘overreach’ and reiterated that the “Parliament is supreme.”

“”A prime minister who imposed an Emergency was held accountable in 1977. Therefore, let there be no doubt about it – Constitution is for the people, and it’s a repository of safeguarding it… Elected representatives… they are the ultimate masters as to what Constitution content will be. There is no visualisation in Constitution of any authority above Parliament. Parliament is supreme and that being the situation, let me tell you, it is as supreme as every individual in the country,” he said amid the ongoing debate over judiciary versus executive.

The Vice President also cited two contradictory statements by the Supreme Court. “In one case, the SC says the preamble is not a part of the constitution (Gorkanath case) and in another case it says it is part of the constitution (Keshavanand Bharti).” He further emphaised the importance of conversation in a democracy and said that democracy cannot be disrupted.

“Our silence might be very dangerous. Thinking minds have to be contributors to preserving our legacy. We cannot allow rundown institutions or tarnishing individuals. Every word by the constitutional authority is guided by the constitution.”

“We must take pride in our Bhartiyata. How can our democracy tolerate disruption. Public property being burnt. Public order disrupted. We must neutralise these forces. First by counselling and even if a bitter pill is required,” he said.

The Vice President also cited two contradictory statements by the Supreme Court. “In one case, the SC says the preamble is not a part of the constitution (Gorkanath case) and in another case it says it is part of the constitution (Keshavanand Bharti).”

He further emphaised the importance of conversation in a democracy and said that democracy cannot be disrupted. “Our silence might be very dangerous. Thinking minds have to be contributors to preserving our legacy. We cannot allow rundown institutions or tarnishing individuals. Every word by the constitutional authority is guided by the constitution.”

“We must take pride in our Bhartiyata. How can our democracy tolerate disruption. Public property being burnt. Public order disrupted. We must neutralise these forces. First by counselling and even if a bitter pill is required,” he said.