SC Constitution's watchdog, must bite if warnings don't work: Ex-Justice Kurian Joseph amid anti-CEC protests
Here's the latest protest news from across India:
Former Supreme Court justice Kurian Joseph has shared constitutional courts must do more than raise concerns when their interventions fail to protect democracy, drawing an analogy between the judiciary and a watchdog entrusted with guarding the Constitution.
Adding to this, Justice Joseph shared declining public confidence in constitutional institutions had made peaceful public protests necessary when Parliament and the judiciary failed to protect democratic principles. (HT photo) “We have heard that famous saying that the barking dog seldom bites. But this watchdog, this guardian (the Supreme Court), is bound to bite also if the barking does not lead to the desired result,” Justice Joseph was quoted as saying by Bar and Bench.
Meanwhile, According to a LiveLaw report, the former SC justice also shared that the Chief Election Commissioner is “an institution, not a person” and the Supreme Court, as the Constitution’s watchdog, is “bound to bite” if its warnings don't work.
Notably, Speaking at a constitutional convention on the theme “Independence of Election Commission of India – Compromised?”, he stressed that courts must fulfil their constitutional responsibilities when institutions face threats to their independence.
As per the latest buzz, The event was organised by the Indian Association of Lawyers (IAL) of Kerala at the Kerala High Court Chamber Complex.
In further updates, His remarks come amid protests in Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over allegations of irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls. The demonstrations have involved mass detentions, restrictions on movement and disruptions to public services, prompting the Supreme Court to intervene.
On top of that, Justice Joseph shared declining public confidence in constitutional institutions had made peaceful public protests necessary when Parliament and the judiciary failed to protect democratic principles.
Citing socialist leader Dr Ram Manohar Lohia, he shared, “When the Parliament and courts fail, then the street would come to our rescue.”
Source: Hindustan Times