India’s Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankar has rekindled controversy regarding the separation of powers by stating that the judiciary is not empowered to issue directions to the President of India. His strong words, delivered during a public address, challenged judicial overreach, specifically questioning the invoking of Article 142 of the Constitution.
Referring to it as a “nuclear missile against democratic forces,” Dhankar explained that Article 142 — which gives the Supreme Court the power to make any order that is required for doing full justice — is being invoked excessively and quite frequently beyond the limits of the Constitution. His remarks have activated discussions among legal and political analysts alike.
The Vice-President highlighted the superiority of the Constitution and cautioned all institutions against running outside their charter. “The judiciary should hold back and desist from entering the domain of the executive and head of the state,” he urged, affirming the harmony of institutions.
His comments arrive as tensions are escalating between India’s executive and judiciary branches, especially in controversial cases with political undertones. With the country preparing for polls and policy change, Dhankar’s remarks add another layer to the new narrative of democratic checks and balances.
