Justice Surya Kant Upholds Democracy’s Core Principles
In a compelling address, Supreme Court Judge Justice Surya Kant reaffirmed the critical role of separation of powers and judicial review in preserving India’s democracy. Speaking at a New Delhi legal conference, he termed the separation of powers the “architecture of democracy” and judicial review its “heartbeat,” stressing their importance in upholding the rule of law.
Why Separation of Powers is Democracy’s Backbone
Amid growing debates on judicial independence, Justice Kant emphasized the Constitution’s design—dividing governance among the legislature, executive, and judiciary to prevent power concentration.
- Legislature: Enacts laws
- Executive: Implements policies
- Judiciary: Interprets laws & safeguards rights
“Without this balance, democracy risks becoming autocracy,” he warned, highlighting the judiciary’s role as a constitutional check.
Judicial Review: Democracy’s Lifeline
Justice Kant called judicial review the “lifeblood of democracy,” enabling courts to invalidate unconstitutional laws and executive actions. Citing landmark rulings like Kesavananda Bharati, he illustrated how judicial review protects fundamental rights and curbs government overreach.
“A democracy without judicial review is like a body without a pulse—it cannot survive,” he asserted.
Challenges & the Path Ahead
Acknowledging judicial delays and backlogs, Justice Kant cautioned against compromising judicial independence for efficiency. He urged:
- Stronger inter-branch cooperation
- Public awareness of constitutional rights
- Respect for institutional boundaries
“Criticism is healthy, but undermining autonomy is dangerous,” he added.
A Call to Citizens: Protect Democracy
Justice Kant reminded Indians that the Constitution belongs to the people. “Its survival depends on collective vigilance,” he said, urging citizens to defend democratic values.
Final Takeaway
Justice Surya Kant’s speech underscores the inseparable link between separation of powers, judicial review, and democracy. As India faces legal and political challenges, preserving these principles is non-negotiable.
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