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In crisis, 3 govt organs legislature, executive & judiciary should act in harmony: CJI Bobde

Chief Justice of India S.A. Bobde said the judiciary is ‘not taking rest’, and is ‘doing whatever it can’ in this crisis.

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New Delhi: Chief Justice of India S.A. Bobde Monday said “the three organs of the government (legislature, executive and judiciary) should act in harmony” in times of crisis.

Responding to allegations that the judiciary is toeing the government line amid the Covid-19 crisis, Justice Bobde said the three ‘Ms’ — money, men and material — are with the executive and it is for the executive to decide how these should be deployed and prioritised. 

“Epidemic or any disaster can be best handled by the executive,” the CJI said during a telephonic conversation with the media.

About the judiciary, he said, “We are not taking rest and we are working and disposing of the cases.” 

“The judiciary is doing whatever it can during the crisis,” he added. 

The apex court has been conducting hearings through video conferencing since 27 March, two days after the lockdown came into effect, and Justice Bobde now confirmed that while proceedings via video are here to stay, they will not entirely replace physical court hearings.


Also read: SC calls healthcare workers coronavirus warriors, sets up helpline to redress complaints


‘Will intervene if lives are in danger’

Ever since the Covid-19 outbreak reached India, the Supreme Court has been flooded with public interest litigations (PILs) demanding various measures for tackling the crisis.

However, in most cases so far, the top court has refused to intervene after accepting the central government’s submissions that it is handling the situation.

Justice Bobde said in cases related to the Covid-19 crisis, the court has asked the executive to take appropriate steps and has sought reports on the steps taken. 

“It (cases related to Covid-19) is a sub judice matter. But we have done whatever we can. We are not on the field,” he added. 

He also pointed out that while over 200 cases were filed every day in the Supreme Court in January this year, only 305 cases have been filed online so far in April. 

“Cause of action for judicial intervention is not happening. Thieves are not committing crime… Crime rate has come down. Police action has also gone down,” he said, adding pressure of litigation on courts has reduced.

Justice Bobde also said “undoubtedly, the executive cannot allow the lives of the citizens to be endangered”, but if that happens, “courts will intervene”.


Also read: ‘How long will people sustain?’ SC issues notice on plea against media layoffs


 

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6 COMMENTS

  1. Judiciary should be blind and should work unknowingly then only the judicious results come..
    Recent every judgments needs relook…..

  2. Respected
    C.J.I.,how much time it requires to decide the review petition filed by Central government and E.P.F.O,in respect of E.P.F.,1995 pensioners?.At present they are getting pension ranging from Rs,1,000 to 3,000 per month.The review petition filed during , 2019.
    Kindly decide early

  3. Respected C.J.I.
    How much time supreme court needs the fate of review petition filed by Central government and
    E.P.F.O to decide the review petition in respect of E
    P.F .1995 pensioners.The review petition filed during 2019.

  4. Looking to recent judgements, which leaned towards right wing music of majoratarian politics. Shift of paradigm of responsibility between boss and stenographer, had taken place. It was expected since Gujarat riots 2002! Let’s see how the drama of Pharoh, takes its story!

  5. Maybe time the gentleman proposed merging the different organs into one organ to create ultimate harmony. One country, one organ! That sounds kind of nice. Who knows, maybe we are there already, but this will be just cleaner.

  6. Judiciary often takes stand that is ant executive and anti-parliament. It often enchroses the domains of executive and parliament. So far judiciary has been reluctant to work with executive fearing loss of its independence. Unless CJI takes a firm line to work with the executive in the interest of the nation, judiciary won’t be able to modernise it self and reduce number of pending cases. Judiciary must stop interfering in executive’s job otherwise no government would take CJI seriously.

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