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Synopsis

The Chief Justice of India while speaking at the Constitution Day Celebrations which were held yesterday at the Supreme Court of India, has said that each branch of the government is not a satellite in an independent orbit but rather a related actor which works in a degree of separateness.

There is interdependence, autonomy as well as reciprocity, CJI Sanjiv Khanna said while adding, "Each branch must honour its constitutionally assigned distinct role while nurturing inter-institutional equilibrium. When properly understood, judicial independence serves not as a high wall but as a bridge - catalyzing the flourishing of constitution, fundamental rights, and governance framework".

The CJI added that when a citizen challenges a law or an executive action, they participate in the democratic process as envisioned by the Constitution. The judiciary, becomes the arena where the ideals of our republic are continually tested, refined, reaffirmed or moulded, he said.

On a question being posed by critics, "how can an unelected judiciary justify its significant power in a democracy?", the CJI responded, "But imagine a world where judges campaign for votes, solicit views and decisions from public and make promises about future judgments. This ensures that its decisions are unbiased, without affection or ill-will, free from by external pressures and guided solely by the Constitution and the law. Therefore it is said that administration of justice is the firmest pillar of governance".

The Celebrations were also attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who hailed the full implementation of India's Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time, marking a historic milestone for the region.

PM Modi also touched upon the country’s progress, highlighting significant initiatives that have reshaped citizens' lives. “In the past few years, 50 crore new bank accounts, 4 crore new houses, and 12 crore new water connections have been provided to the people,” he shared, underscoring the government’s efforts to bring about inclusive development.

Manan Kumar Mishra, Chairman of the Bar Council of India (BCI), in his address sharply criticized the political manipulation of the Constitution, accusing certain political figures of using it as a tool to gain votes.

Speaking to the audience at the Supreme Court's celebration, Mishra condemned what he termed the "mockery" of the Constitution by those who, in the name of reservations and other constitutional provisions, mislead the public for electoral purposes.