CJI: Judiciary answerable only to Constitution; divisiveness a threat

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New Delhi, July 2

Chief Justice of India NV Ramana on Saturday said the judiciary was answerable to the “Constitution and Constitution alone” even though the party in power believed every government action was entitled to judicial endorsement and the Opposition expected the judiciary to advance its political causes.

The CJI was speaking at a felicitation event organised by the Association of Indian Americans in San Francisco, US. Reflecting on India’s journey through 75 years of Independence, the CJI rued that people had not yet understood the roles and responsibilities the Constitution had assigned to each institution.

“As we celebrate the 75th year of Independence this year and our Republic turns 72, with some sense of regret I must add here that we still haven’t learnt to appreciate wholly the roles and responsibilities assigned by the Constitution to each of the institution,” said the CJI.

Noting that this flawed thinking flourished in the absence of understanding among people about the Constitution and the role the Constitution assigned to institutions, the CJI said, “It is the vigorously promoted ignorance among the general public which is coming to the aid of such forces whose only aim is to run down the only independent organ i.e., the judiciary. Let me make it clear. We are answerable to the Constitution and Constitution alone.”

The CJI said democracy was all about participation and the need of the hour was to promote constitutional culture in India in order to enforce checks and balances envisioned in the Constitution. “We need to spread awareness about the roles and responsibilities of individuals and institutions. Democracy is all about participation,” the Chief Justice of India said, hailing the voters for discharging their role of judging those in power.

Noting that India and the US were both known for their diversity, the CJI said the principle of inclusivity also needed to be honoured everywhere in the world, including in India. Inclusivity strengthens the unity in society and unity was key to peace and progress, he said. “We need to focus on issues that unite us, not on those that divide us. In the 21st century, we cannot allow petty, narrow and divisive issues to dictate human and societal relationships. We have to rise above all divisive issues to remain focused on human development. A non-inclusive approach is an invitation to disaster,” he said

Underlining the importance of peace, the Chief Justice of Iindia, addressing the Indian diaspora, said, “Your parents back home should be able to live in a peaceful society which is free from hate and violence. If you cannot take care of the wellbeing of your family and society back home, what is the use of your wealth and status here? You have to contribute your own way to improve your own society. What really matters is the honour and respect that you command in your homeland. This is the litmus test for your true success.”