Judiciary answerable to Constitution alone: CJI lashes out at political parties

CJI NV Ramana lashed out at political parties in India while addressing an event in San Francisco. He praised the development of educational institutions across the country.

Chief Justice of India NV Ramana lashed out at the political parties, saying that the "flawed thinking of political parties flourishes in the absence of proper understanding among the people about the Constitution and democratic institutions".

Addressing an event in San Francisco for the Association of Indian Americans on July 1, CJI NV Ramana said, "As we celebrate the 75th year of Independence and as our Republic turned 72, with some sense of regret, I must say that we still haven’t learnt to appreciate the roles and responsibilities assigned by the Constitution to each of the Institutions. The party in power believes that every governmental action is entitled to judicial endorsement, while the opposition parties expect the judiciary to advance their political positions and causes. This flawed thinking flourishes in the absence of proper understanding among people about the Constitution and the functioning of democratic institutions. 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," said CJI NV Ramana.

Praising the development of higher professional education institutions in India, the CJI said that while earlier people would have to leave India for professional courses such as law, business, etc, now there are good institutions in India. However, he sounded a note of caution about government policies "disturbing" such universities and colleges.

"Foundations meant for long-term growth should never be disturbed. All over the world, with the change in government, policies do change. But no sensible, mature and patriotic government would alter its policies in such a manner that would slow down or halt the growth of its territory. Unfortunately, we do not come across such sensibility and maturity in India too often whenever there is a change in government," said the CJI.

The CJI also said that voting patterns in India show that the urban educated population votes in much lower numbers.

"Under the Constitution of India, it is the people who are entrusted with the task of passing judgment on the rulers, once every five years... Significantly, the voter in rural India is more proactive in discharging this task when compared to their urban, educated and well-to-do counterparts."

Justice Ramana also asked people to spread the message of tolerance and inclusiveness for the sake of development and progress.