In effect, the call for the removal of ‘Secular’ and ‘Socialist’ from the Preamble is against the constitutional mandate. Any attempt in that direction would lead to constitutional erosion.
Closer look at landmark judgments cited by CJI Khanna in his speech on occasion of Supreme Court completing 75 yrs, and how these rulings moulded Indian jurisprudence over the years.
Kesavananda Bharati judgment postulated the basic structure doctrine. It held that certain fundamental features of the Constitution, such as democracy, can’t be amended by Parliament.
In 1973, after a petition was filed by Kesavananda Bharati, Supreme Court ruled that Parliament cannot alter the 'basic structure' of the Constitution.
The Minerva Mills case was as important as the Kesavananda Bharati case. And fighting it was Nani Palkhivala, India’s foremost constitutional litigator.
Beneath the uniform and the gallantry award was a man of rare humility. There was no trace of bravado in Colonel Sonam Wangchuk, no attempt to wear his achievements on his sleeve.
We now live in a world order that will keep shifting. India must use this window. This also means we remain disciplined enough not to be knee-jerked into reacting to what Pakistan sees as its moment in the sun.
A very serious step towards majoritarianism. Coupled with exercises such as SIR can be used to invisibilize swathes of population and retain age-old discriminatory practices such as caste and untouchability.
I hope the Central Govt sees sense and desists from this terrible exercise.
A very serious step towards majoritarianism. Coupled with exercises such as SIR can be used to invisibilize swathes of population and retain age-old discriminatory practices such as caste and untouchability.
I hope the Central Govt sees sense and desists from this terrible exercise.