Ignorance about the Constitution and the working of democratic institutions aids forces wanting to run down the judiciary. We are answerable to the Constitution and the Constitution alone, he said.
Image: Justice N.V. Ramanna, the Hindu.
“The party in power believes every governmental action is entitled to judicial endorsement. The opposition wants the judiciary to advance its political positions and causes. This flawed thinking of all hues flourishes due to ignorance about the Constitution and the functioning of democratic institutions. This vigorously promoted ignorance aids forces wanting to run down the judiciary. Let me make it clear, we are answerable to the constitution and the constitution alone, “Chief Justice N V Ramanna said. He was speaking at a felicitation ceremony organised by the Association of American Indians in San Francisco.
“As we celebrate the 75th year of Independence, we still haven’t learnt the roles and responsibilities the constitution assigned to each institution,” he added.
Need to Build a Constitutional Culture in India: Chief Justice
Chief Justice Ramanna also spoke about the need to build a constitutional culture in India. He said: “We need to promote a constitutional culture in India to enforce the checks and balances envisioned in the constitution.” We need to spread awareness about the roles and responsibilities of individuals and institutions. Democracy is all about participation, Chief Justice Ramanna said.
We Need to Honour Inclusivity Everywhere in the World.
The Chief Justice soon stressed the need to honour inclusivity in India and the world. He cautioned that a “non-inclusive approach is an invitation to disaster.” It is the tolerance and inclusive nature of American society that attracts the best talents from all over the world. This, in turn, contributes to its growth. Honouring qualified talents is also essential to sustain the confidence of all sections of society in the system, he added.
This principle of inclusivity is universal. It needs to be honoured everywhere in the world, including in India. Inclusivity strengthens unity in society, which is key to peace and progress. We need to focus on issues that unite us, not divide us. In the 21st century, we cannot allow petty, narrow, and divisive issues to dictate human relationships. We have to rise above all the divisive issues to remain focused on human development. He said a non-inclusive approach is an invitation to disaster.
A Tolerant Country is a Peaceful Country: Chief Justice Ramanna
“Both India and the United States are famed for their diversity,” he told the crowd. Everywhere in the world, this diversity must be valued and honoured. You were all allowed to come to our nation and leave your imprint via your remarkable abilities and hard work because the United States honours and appreciates diversity. A country that embraces everyone, assimilates all cultures, and respects all languages is destined to be progressive, peaceful, and lively, Justice Ramanna argued. Previously,
privileged Indians went to the US for work and study. This has changed due to the visions of some leaders who laid the foundations for India-centric growth two decades ago. Such solid foundations are meant for long-term growth and should never be disturbed. Policies change all over the world, but no patriotic government would alter policies in a manner that would halt the growth of its own territory. He regretted that we do not come across such sensibility and maturity in India too often when there is a change in government. He then urged the Indian community to think of themselves as employers and not as employees, so as to help India reap its demographic dividends.
(Sources: Indian Express and NDTV)
