PANAJI
Former Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court and ‘Enough is Enough’ convenor Justice Ferdino Rebello has launched a sharp attack on the functioning of constitutional institutions, asserting that courts risk failing the public if they do not protect the fundamental philosophy of the Constitution.
In a special podcast with Prudent channel, Rebello said the Supreme Court must adopt interpretations that uphold constitutional morality, public interest and the rule of law. He, however, lamented that the apex court too “has failed us sometimes”.
Raising concerns over the interpretation of the Tenth Schedule, Rebello said the judiciary must ensure that constitutional principles and the rule of law are not diluted.
He argued that the recurring problem of defections could be resolved if legislative parties are not treated as entities independent of their parent political parties.
Rebello also questioned the conduct of the Election Commission, saying the constitutional office must be held to the highest standards of accountability.
“If what's on record is true and what both Election Commissioners are stating is factual, the Chief Election Commissioner has failed the Constitution and he has no business to be on that post anymore,” Rebello said.
