Politics, like insects, is simply weakening the very foundation of democracy in India. No better example of the ill effects of ‘politics everywhere syndrome’ on our system can be found than the public outbursts of four of the senior most judges of Supreme Court. Even the word ‘unprecedented’ cannot describe the gravity of the situation arising out of the comments made by the judges against Chief Justice of India as well as prevailing political situation in the country. The damage cannot be repaired by taking a partisan attitude. Rather everyone should come together leaving their ideals and egos behind to save democracy in the country. It is time now for all of us to understand that we can only survive, if democracy survives in India. The onus to save democracy in India is not the responsibility of handful judges. It is the duty of every citizen of the country.
Since Independence, we have taken pride over the fact that in India Judiciary and the Army are free from politics. We often hold the opinion that democracy in Pakistan cannot have deep enough roots till the army keeps itself out of politics in the country. But, it seems that we have surrendered our high position. For years political appointments are being regularly made in Constitutional Institutions and top government posts. Not so long ago, Army Chief was appointed by superseding three others. Why others were ignored? We didn’t get an answer. Similarly, we are not satisfied with the answer from Election Commission of India that announcement regarding poll dates in Gujarat was delayed because of ongoing relief operations to the flood-affected people in the State as the government officials claimed that they never requested for deferment of poll announcement. Again, we fail to understand why cases which may have direct or indirect references to someone powerful in the ruling circle go to the Court of a particular judge?
Those who are holding high posts should realise that because of their services to nation, they have been appointed to the top posts. They don’t have to indulge in pleasing the political bosses. If they do that they will simply devoid of the names and fames they earned over the years. Their reputations will be at stake. Just going by the utterances of four of the judges, it will not be wise to reach to the conclusion that the Chief Justice of India has done something terribly wrong or he is yielding under political pressure. Such a perception will simply kill democracy in the country. But at the same time, the Chief Justice of India or all other who are occupying constitutional and high posts should realise that essential quality of leading an organisation is the ability of carrying everyone with them. If the senior judges of Supreme Court are not satisfied with approach of Chief Justice, the later should take initiatives to dispel doubts from the others’ mind to keep the system going. The judges were wrong in going to public. On the other hand, Chief Justice of India has also not any justice to the high and coveted post he is holding at present by brushing aside all the suggestions put forward by his colleagues. We can only hope that both sides will realise where they went wrong and resolve the issue amicably without creating any further controversies.
