SC Responds to Allegations of Overstepping Parliamentary Authority

Quick Summary

• Supreme court on scrutiny: The SC is facing criticism for setting a three-month deadline for the President to decide on bills referred by governors.
• PIL on Bengal violence: A public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Ranjana Agnihotri seeks imposition of President’s rule in West Bengal citing alleged attacks on Hindus during protests against a new waqf law. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain has requested additional documents be taken on record regarding fresh violence and alleged exodus from certain areas in the state.
• SC’s reluctance: Justice B R Gavai expressed apprehension about intervening, stating, “We (SC) are accused of intruding into the executive and legislative domains.”
• Criticism from officials: Vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar and two BJP MPs have made strong criticisms against the SC and Chief justice of India (CJI).
• Contempt plea sought: An advocate requested permission to file contempt proceedings against BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey and Dinesh Sharma for false allegations.The SC directed following procedural norms by seeking consent from Attorney General R Venkataramani.

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Indian Opinion Analysis

The developments highlight critical tensions between India’s judiciary and other branches of government. the Supreme Court’s cautious approach underscores its awareness of accusations regarding overreach into executive prerogatives. This case reflects broader debates surrounding judicial activism versus restraint.

The PIL requesting President’s rule in West Bengal raises significant questions about governance structure and federal autonomy. Though, such interventions demand compelling evidence, which challenges courts to balance law enforcement with avoiding perceived bias or interference.

On criticisms by MPs, pursuing contempt proceedings involves navigating delicate political sensitivities while upholding institutional credibility. In a system emphasizing separation of powers,each branch must act constructively without undermining others-a principle central to India’s constitutional ethos.

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