Judiciary answerable to Constitution alone: CJI NV Ramana

Chief Justice of India NV Ramana attacked the political parties saying that “the faulty thinking of the political parties thrives in the absence of proper understanding among the people about the constitution and democratic institutions”.

Addressing an event in San Francisco for the Union of Indian Americans on July 1, CJI NV Ramana said, “as we celebrate the 75th year of independence and as our republic turns 72, with some regret, I must say that we are still in heaven.’

Have not learned to appreciate the roles and responsibilities assigned to each institution by the Constitution.  

The party in power believes that every government action deserves judicial support, while opposition parties expect the judiciary to advance their political positions and cause.

This faulty thinking thrives in the absence of proper understanding among the people about the constitution and the working of democratic institutions.

It is the strictly publicized ignorance among the general public that is coming to the aid of such forces whose sole aim is to eliminate the sole independent organ,” CJI NV Ramana said.

Praising the growth of higher vocational education institutions in India, the CJI said that where earlier people had to leave India for vocational courses like law, business etc., and now India has good institutions.

However, he called for caution about government policies that “harass” such universities and colleges.

“The foundation built for sustainable development should never be disturbed.

Across the world, with a change of government, policies change.

But no sensible, mature and patriotic government will change its policies in a way that slows or stops the development of its sector.

Unfortunately, we do not often see such sensitivity and maturity in India, whenever there is a change in the government,” the CJI said.

The CJI also said that the voting pattern in India shows that the urban educated population votes in very small numbers.

“Under the Constitution of India, it is the people who are entrusted with the task of passing judgments on rulers, once every five years… Significantly, voters in rural India are more active in carrying out this task than their urban ones. Educated and affluent are equal.”

Justice Ramana also asked people to spread the message of tolerance and inclusiveness for development and progress.

“It is the tolerant and inclusive nature of American society that can attract the best of talent from around the world, which in turn is contributing to its development.

In the 21st century, we are trying to address small, narrow, and divisive issues as human beings.” Cannot allow and social relations.  

We have to rise above all divisive issues to focus on human development. A non-inclusive approach is an invitation to disaster,” he said.

Speaking at an event for Indian Americans, the CJI specifically addressed the second and third generation Indians in the audience, asking them to take steps to contribute to the motherland of their parents.

“You all must have become millionaires and billionaires. To enjoy your wealth, you need peace around you.

Your parents back home should also be able to live in a peaceful society that is free from hatred and violence if you cannot pay attention back home for the betterment of your family and society, what is the use of your wealth and status here?

You have to do your contribution to make your society better.

What does respect and honor in your motherland mean? Has,” Justice Ramana said.

In his speech, the CJI lauded the hard work of Indian-Americans towards development, saying their contributions “played an active role in building modern America”.

“The progressive partnership between the people of India and the US has led to a massive bilateral merchandise trade worth $113 billion in 2021.

I am delighted to learn that 50 percent of business to business start-ups in Silicon Valley are established. Or funded or operated by Indians,” the CJI said.

As the Indian Supreme Court is on summer vacation, Chief Justice of India NV Ramana is visiting different parts of the country and the world, interacting with judges, lawyers and Indian expatriates abroad.