Over the years, the Indian Supreme Court has faced criticism for its increasing compliance with the government's actions, leading to perceptions of it as an illiberal institution. As the Chief Justice, Chandrachud, who was once praised for his progressive and liberal values, has not lived up to the expectations of being assertive and independent. The court's handling of politically sensitive cases, such as Article 370, the Babri Masjid dispute, and bail, has tarnished Chandrachud's previous reputation and overshadowed his earlier standing as a liberal judge. Additionally, a shocking revelation from Justice Chandrachud himself has raised concerns about the court's impartiality in the controversial Ayodhya dispute.
In recent years, the Indian Supreme Court has faced criticism for its perceived compliance with the government's actions, leading to concerns about its independence and impartiality. This issue has come to the forefront under the leadership of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, who was once praised for his progressive and liberal values.
Chief Justice Chandrachud was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2016 and became its Chief Justice in November 2022. Prior to his appointment, he served as a judge in the Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court. He was known for his liberal rulings on issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and constitutional freedoms.
Critics have accused the Supreme Court under Chief Justice Chandrachud of being overly compliant with the government, particularly in politically sensitive cases. For example, the court's handling of the following issues has drawn criticism:
In addition to allegations of compliance, the revelation by Chief Justice Chandrachud that he had met with a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) official in the wake of the Ayodhya dispute has raised concerns about the court's impartiality. Justice Chandrachud claimed that the meeting was a coincidence, but critics have questioned whether it compromised the court's neutrality in the case.
The alleged compliance and impartiality concerns have tarnished Chief Justice Chandrachud's previous reputation as a liberal judge. Critics claim that he has not lived up to expectations of being assertive and independent.
1. Why is there criticism of the Supreme Court under Chief Justice Chandrachud? Answer: The Supreme Court is criticized for its perceived compliance with the government's actions in politically sensitive cases.
2. What are some examples of cases where the Supreme Court's handling has been questioned? Answer: Examples include the Article 370 revocation, the Babri Masjid dispute, and the granting of bail to political figures.
3. What is the concern about Chief Justice Chandrachud's meeting with a BJP official? Answer: Critics question whether the meeting compromised the court's impartiality in the Ayodhya dispute.
4. How has Chief Justice Chandrachud's reputation been affected by these allegations? Answer: His reputation as a liberal judge has been tarnished, and he is seen as not being assertive or independent enough.
5. What is the future outlook for the Supreme Court's independence? Answer: The Supreme Court's independence is being tested, and it remains to be seen whether it can maintain its neutrality and safeguard constitutional rights in the face of government pressure.
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The Goa government, under CM Pramod Sawant, has granted two district magistrates the power to invoke the National Security Act for a period of three months. The move comes after a spate of incidents involving organised crime in the state and the police's request for preventive arrest powers. This decision is likely to spark controversy as the NSA allows for detention without formal charges or trial for up to 12 months.
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Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has announced that the Winter Session of Parliament will be held from December 1 to 19, 2025, after receiving approval from President Droupadi Murmu. Rijiju expressed hope for a constructive and meaningful session that will serve the aspirations of the people and strengthen democracy. This session will be an important opportunity for the government to address key issues and concerns of the citizens.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched four new Vande Bharat Express trains, including the fastest one on the Banaras-Khajuraho route. The train, operated by the Northern Railway, will cover 443 km in 7.40 hours with seven AC chair cars and one executive AC char car. The route connects important pilgrimage and heritage towns, and will also stop at other religious and cultural destinations.
Indian security forces successfully thwarted a possible infiltration attempt by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district. The encounter, which took place in the Keran sector, resulted in the elimination of two terrorists. The joint operation, launched on November 7, was based on intelligence inputs and is still ongoing as search operations continue. The Chinar Corps has issued a statement confirming the development and urging readers to refrain from making any derogatory comments in response.