Dhankhar Taunts Judiciary: ‘Can’t Order President on Bill Decisions
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar sharply criticized the Supreme Court's directive instructing the President to decide on bills within three months. His statement has sparked a new debate on constitutional boundaries and the distribution of powers.
New Delhi: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has expressed strong reservations about the Supreme Court's recent directive instructing the President of India to take a decision on state bills within a three-month window. Addressing Rajya Sabha trainees, Dhankhar said that there exists no constitutional mechanism that allows the judiciary to issue such directives to the President. He questioned the judiciary’s role in what he described as an overreach into the domains of the legislature and the executive.
“Are Judges Now the Lawmakers?”
In a tone laced with irony, Dhankhar remarked, “Will we now have judges who make laws, function as the executive, and act as a super parliament? And since the law doesn’t apply to them, they will remain unaccountable?” His comments come in response to a Supreme Court decision urging timely action from the President on bills that have been forwarded by state governors.
Article 142 Described as a ‘Nuclear Weapon’
He warned that Article 142 had morphed into what he described as a “nuclear missile” in the hands of the judiciary, capable of undermining democratic processes at any hour.“Article 142 is now a weapon constantly available to the judiciary,” he emphasized, adding that this level of judicial authority poses a serious challenge to the democratic structure of the country.
Need for Constitutional Sensitivity
Urging caution and reflection, Dhankhar questioned the direction in which the country is heading. “Is this the democracy we envisioned? he asked. He emphasized the importance of being “extremely sensitive” about such matters, noting that legal directives of this nature can have far-reaching consequences for the balance of power between institutions.
High-Level Concerns and the Sanctity of the Presidential Office
Expressing deep concern, Dhankhar said the issue touches a “very high level” of constitutional principle, something he never imagined witnessing during his lifetime. He reminded the audience that the President of India holds the highest constitutional office and is entrusted with the solemn duty to safeguard and uphold the Constitution. “We cannot permit a situation where directions are handed to the President, especially without any constitutional backing,” he concluded.
