SC reacts to 'comments against judiciary' during hearing of President's rule in Bengal plea

The Supreme Court on Monday reacted cautiously to a plea seeking the imposition of President’s Rule in West Bengal, highlighting ongoing concerns about allegations of judicial overreach. The bench, led by Justice BR Gavai, who is set to become the next Chief Justice, expressed reluctance to intervene directly in executive matters.

Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain mentioned the petition before the bench, seeking urgent directions for President's Rule in West Bengal following violence during protests against the Waqf Amendment Act. Justice Gavai remarked, "You want us to issue a writ of mandamus to the President to impose this? As it is, we are facing allegations of encroaching into executive (domain). Please." Jain assured that the plea was already listed for hearing on Tuesday.

The Court’s response comes amid a heated political debate, with several BJP leaders criticizing the judiciary after its recent judgment limiting the Governor's power to indefinitely withhold state bills. The ruling emphasized that constitutional issues should be referred to the judiciary and urged restraint from the executive.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey sparked controversy by suggesting that if the Supreme Court decides everything, there is no need for Parliament or state assemblies. He accused the judiciary of exceeding its limits and even blamed it for allegedly inciting religious tensions by handling sensitive temple-mosque disputes selectively.

Other BJP leaders like Dinesh Sharma and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar echoed similar sentiments, questioning the judiciary's use of Article 142 to direct the President and Governors. Dhankhar described the provision as a “nuclear missile” used against democratic institutions.

In response to mounting backlash, BJP chief JP Nadda distanced the party from the remarks of its leaders. Nadda stated that these were personal opinions and not the party's official stand, stressing that the BJP respects the judiciary and its role in democracy.