Collective Duty Of Constitutional Bodies To Respect One Another: VP Jagdeep Dhankar

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday emphasized the need for constitutional bodies to operate within their designated boundaries, asserting that mutual respect among them is only possible when each respects its own jurisdiction.

He cautioned that disputes between institutions hinder the growth of a healthy democracy.

While speaking at the release of Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel’s memoir “Chunautiyan mujhe pasand hain”, the Vice President referred to the recent terrorist incident in Pahalgam, noting that during such times, the nation must unite.

“Nation first should always be our guiding principle”, he said, adding, “But the gravest challenges are those that arise from within.”

Referring to the recent Supreme Court reaction to the Waqf Amendment Bill passed by the Parliament, he remarked, "The most dangerous challenges are the ones that come from within... which we cannot openly discuss. These have no logical basis, no connection to national development, and are rooted in governance. I have personally endured such challenges."

Reaffirming his stance on institutional boundaries, the Vice President added that it is the collective duty of constitutional bodies to respect one another – a principle only achievable when each stays within its prescribed domain.

Expanding on the Separation Of Powers, he said, “Just as the legislature cannot deliver legal judgments - which is the judiciary's domain - similarly, the judiciary must refrain... I have the highest regard for the judiciary. Having practised law for over four decades, I can say we have some of the finest judges. But I appeal for a collaborative and cooperative approach.”

Earlier, the Vice President had openly expressed disagreement with the Supreme Court's stance on the Waqf Amendment Act.

Touching upon the nature of free speech, he highlighted that open debate and discussion are foundational to democracy;“Without debate and dialogue, the philosophical essence of our Vedas would vanish. That leads to ego and arrogance - both detrimental to free expression. India is the world's largest and oldest democracy with a vast cultural heritage. If anyone tries to challenge that under any circumstances, we must confront that challenge.”

Reflecting on India's political history, the Vice President also invoked the memory of Emergency era, stating, “Some believe public memory is short, but that's not true. Have we forgotten the Emergency? Though many years have passed, its dark shadows still loom. It was the darkest chapter in Indian history.”

Turning to a recent incident, he underscored the importance of due process and legal integrity; "Similarly, regarding the painful incident that happened recently, I believe -and it is my firm conviction - that we must accept that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. In a democracy, innocence has a special significance. But whatever the crime may be, it must be resolved according to the law. And if a crime shakes the public conscience, it cannot be covered up."

Writing “Chunautiyan Mujhe Pasand Hain” is itself a significant challenge, the Vice President said while congratulating Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel on the release of her book.