Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar asserted that Parliament is supreme, Members of Parliament are the ultimate custodians of the Constitution, and the Prime Minister who imposed the Emergency in 1977 was held accountable by the people.
New Delhi: A new debate has ignited in India's political landscape following criticism of the Supreme Court by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey. Amidst this controversy, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar issued a b statement, declaring Parliament the supreme institution of the country. Speaking at an event at Delhi University, the Vice President stated, "Parliament is supreme, and Members of Parliament are the ultimate custodians of the Constitution; no authority can be above them."
The Emergency as a Historical Context
Dhankhar, referencing the historical events of 1977, said, “A Prime Minister who imposed the Emergency in the country was held accountable by the people through elections. This proves that the Constitution belongs to the people, and protecting it is the responsibility of Parliament.”
MPs as the Ultimate Protectors of the Constitution
Dhankhar further stated, “Elected MPs are the true protectors of the Constitution. The Constitution nowhere states that any other body can be above Parliament. The principle of Parliament's supremacy is not only legal but also the soul of democracy.”
The Reason for the Controversy
The timing of this statement is considered significant because a few days earlier, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey expressed displeasure over the Supreme Court's observations questioning the Waqf Act. Dubey had stated, "If the courts are to make all decisions, then Parliament should be shut down."
