Jagdeep Dhankhar judiciary statement: In a bold and thought-provoking statement that has reignited the national conversation around separation of powers, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has expressed deep concern over the judiciary’s recent moves, cautioning against its overreach into legislative and executive domains.
judiciary vs executive India
Speaking to a group of Rajya Sabha interns, Jagdeep Dhankhar did not mince words when addressing the Supreme Court’s recent directive that sought to set a timeline for the President to grant assent to Bills. He questioned the judiciary’s role, stating, “We have judges who will legislate, perform executive functions, act as super Parliament — and have no accountability.”
A Caution Against Judicial Overreach
Dhankhar emphasized that such actions blur the well-defined lines of the Indian Constitution. Referring specifically to Article 142, which grants the Supreme Court the power to deliver “complete justice,” the Vice President likened it to a “nuclear missile against democratic forces available 24×7.”
“Time has come when our three institutions — legislature, judiciary and executive — must blossom in their own space,” Jagdeep Dhankhar said. “Any incursion by one into the domain of the other poses a serious challenge to the democratic fabric.”
President’s Role Under Spotlight
The flashpoint in this debate stems from the Supreme Court’s observation that the President should be bound by a timeline to act on Bills reserved by Governors. The Vice President questioned the very basis of this, highlighting that the President holds an elevated constitutional role.
“The President takes an oath to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution,” Dhankhar noted. “Others — including judges, parliamentarians and ministers — take an oath to abide by the Constitution. We cannot have a situation where the President is being directed like this.”
“Who Will Be Held Accountable?”
Jagdeep Dhankhar also raised critical concerns about democratic accountability. “In Parliament, elected representatives are accountable. They can be questioned. But if the judiciary takes over governance, whom do you hold accountable in elections?” he asked.
His remarks reflect growing unease in certain quarters of the government over what is perceived as judicial activism, which some believe could disturb the balance of power enshrined in the Constitution.
A Call for Institutional Harmony
Wrapping up his address, the Vice President made a heartfelt appeal for harmony among the three pillars of democracy. “We never bargained for democracy to see such a day,” he said. “Let each institution function within its limits, respecting the spirit of the Constitution. That is how democracy thrives.”
Why This Matters
This development is more than just a political statement — it’s a constitutional moment. As debates around judicial independence, legislative supremacy, and executive authority intensify, Dhankhar’s words serve as a timely reminder of the delicate balance that holds India’s democratic structure together.
With the nation watching closely, this episode could mark a defining moment in the evolving relationship between India’s institutions of power.
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