Congress Accuses BJP of 'Systematic Targeting' of the Supreme Court After Controversial Remarks by MP
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Synopsis
The Congress party has accused the BJP of undermining the Supreme Court's authority following controversial statements by MP Nishikant Dubey, as the court reviews the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Jairam Ramesh emphasized the need for judicial independence amidst rising concerns over the government's actions.
Key Takeaways
- Congress claims BJP is trying to weaken the Supreme Court.
- Jairam Ramesh criticizes BJP's targeting of the judiciary.
- Nishikant Dubey's remarks seen as an attack on judicial authority.
- Concerns over the erosion of judicial independence in India.
- Supreme Court reviewing the constitutionality of the Waqf Act.
New Delhi, April 19 (NationPress) The Congress party has accused the BJP of attempting to undermine the authority of the Supreme Court, following contentious statements made by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey during the court's current examination of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh strongly criticized the ruling party, claiming that the BJP is targeting the judiciary for holding the government accountable on essential constitutional issues.
“They are trying to weaken the Supreme Court,” Ramesh told journalists. “The BJP is systematically undermining the powers bestowed upon the apex court by the Constitution, particularly as the court has challenged the government on matters like electoral bonds and the Waqf issue.”
Earlier, Dubey’s remarks sparked controversy when he posted on social media: “If the Supreme Court is going to legislate, then the Parliament should be shut down.” Although vague, this statement was widely interpreted as a direct assault on the judiciary’s authority over legislative issues.
Ramesh emphasized that BJP ministers and MPs are consciously targeting the judiciary. “Constitutional officials and BJP leaders are attacking the Supreme Court merely because it adheres to the basic structure doctrine. This represents a coordinated effort to diminish judicial independence,” he stated.
Ramesh also pointed out the court’s actions on significant matters, including the electoral bonds case and the ongoing issue regarding the autonomy of the Election Commission, suggesting that the BJP's discontent with judicial scrutiny is escalating. “This is not merely about one law,” he said. “It pertains to whether constitutional checks and balances will endure in Modi’s India,” he added.
Reiterating his party’s position, Ramesh affirmed that the Congress endorses a judiciary that is truly independent, impartial, and empowered under the Constitution. “We advocate for a Supreme Court that is fearless and operates without interference. What is occurring now is a systematic endeavor to stifle that independence.”
The remarks arise as the Supreme Court reviews several petitions challenging the constitutionality of the amended Waqf Act, which was enacted earlier this month. The petitioners have contested provisions that allow non-Muslims to be included in Waqf Boards and permit the declassification of ‘Waqf-by-user’ properties, arguing that such modifications violate religious and property rights.
During the hearings, the Supreme Court acknowledged critical commitments made by the Centre. The government assured that no non-Muslim appointments would be made to Waqf Boards or Councils until the matter is settled. It also pledged that 'Waqf-by-user' properties would not be denotified and that District Collectors would not modify their status during the interim period.
The apex court has granted the Centre one week to submit a preliminary response, along with supporting documents. The next hearing in this case is set for May 5.
