Supreme Court upheld independence of Central government for 9 years

NEW DELHI: The BJP-led NDA government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi completed nine years on Friday. The first question that pops into one's mind is: in these nine years, did the central government have tumultuous or cordial relations with the Supreme Court?

Covering nine years of Centre-Supreme Court relations would compel one to ask whether the apex court did face its worst crisis of credibility, which it never did under Congress rule; if the court did well to protect its judicial independence and come down heavily on the forces attempting to dent its authority; and if it stood firm by its constitutional role in high-stakes cases and did enough to protect the life and liberty of citizens.

The opposition has claimed that the money-laundering law is being used for a political witch-hunt and alleged the politicisation of investigations conducted by central agencies.

On April 5 this year, a bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud made it crystal clear that political leaders do not enjoy an immunity greater than an ordinary citizen of the state while refusing to entertain a petition by 14 opposition political parties, led by the Congress, alleging misuse of the CBI and ED against opposition leaders and also seeking guidelines for the future.

Last week, however, the Supreme Court exhorted the ED not to create an atmosphere of fear and orally told it that even a bona fide cause becomes suspect when the agency behaves like this. The apex court hinted that the agency needs to temper its zeal in probing allegations against the leaders of the opposition. (IANS)

Also Read: Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail to Aam Aadmi Party Leader Satyendar Jain

Also Watch: