Retired Chief Justice Sanjay Kaul, in an NDTV interview about his book, stressed that the powerful executive must not intimidate or pressure the administration. The Supreme Court, guardian of the Constitution and democracy, faces a critical test over the SIR issue and demands for the CEC’s resignation. Youth-led protests worldwide demand systemic change over rising prices, poor public services, education, healthcare affordability and access to justice. Governments must prevent disruptive elements from infiltrating peaceful protests without criminalising protesters.
In India, transparency and accountability are eroding amid personal attacks by top leaders and subsequent cover-ups without consequences. The government’s handling of CJP protests at Jantar Mantar demanding the Union Education Minister’s and CEC’s resignations reflects these concerns. RTI, access to information and institutional checks and balances are weakening. Our Chief Minister, campaigning for the BJP in Karnataka, reportedly said “Yendu Gundu” would not work in Goa, nor would Kharge’s targeting of Modi’s family. Politics increasingly risks becoming a battle of mobs and propaganda over who insulted whom. Why is the government, rather than the Election Commission, holding a press conference and answering questions using an affidavit obtained from the EC? Where are trust, transparency and accountability in our democracy?
John Eric Gomes, Porvorim
