Speaking at an event arranged by a Bar association, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar remarked, “Certain individuals worldwide wish to advise us on our judicial conduct.” While not directly mentioning the excise policy ‘scam’ case, he emphasized India’s strong and reliable judicial system.
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday (March 29) underscored the robustness of the country’s legal framework. His comments come against the backdrop of international scrutiny following the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over a controversial liquor policy case. The Vice-President’s statements were a direct response to observations from the United States, Germany, and the United Nations, highlighting India’s commitment to a transparent and timely legal process.
India’s diplomatic stance was firm as it summoned key diplomats from the US and Germany, reflecting the nation’s resolve against external comments on its internal legal matters. A senior US diplomat and the German deputy chief of mission were called upon to discuss their countries’ statements regarding the fairness and transparency of the legal proceedings involving Kejriwal.
During the 70th Founders’ Day celebrations of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) in New Delhi, Dhankhar remarked,
“equality before law is a new norm”
in India, emphasizing the accountability now faced by those who previously considered themselves above the law. He expressed concern over the reactions to legal actions, noting,
“The moment law takes its course, they take to streets, high decibel debates, camouflaging culpability of the worst nature by human rights. This is happening under our nose.”
Dhankhar described the Indian judicial system as “robust, pro-people, and independent,” questioning the rationale behind protests and public outcry when legal proceedings are initiated. His comments reflect a broader critique of attempts to undermine the judiciary’s authority through public demonstrations and rhetoric.
The Vice-President also addressed the global community’s unsolicited advice on India’s judicial conduct, asserting the country’s sovereignty and the strength of its legal institutions.
“We are not a nation to get scriptures from others,”
he stated, encouraging the youth to counter such narratives on social media and other platforms.
Highlighting the judiciary’s dedication, Dhankhar pointed out instances where the courts have convened outside regular hours to deliver justice, emphasizing the independence of the judiciary and its occasional divergence from government perspectives.
“It is that institution of Judiciary that has met at midnight, that has met on a holiday (and) imparted relief. Can we target our institutions because they conduct themselves in a particular manner,”
he added.
In a veiled critique of the international reactions to Kejriwal’s arrest, Dhankhar reminded that India, as a sovereign democratic nation with a robust judicial system, does not warrant external judgment, especially from countries grappling with their own democratic challenges.
Addressing the broader issue of corruption, the Vice-President made a powerful statement:
“Corruption is not a passage to opportunity, employment or a contract anymore. It is a passage to jail. The system is securing it.”
He challenged the notion of impunity based on seasonal or circumstantial considerations, advocating for unwavering adherence to the rule of law.
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The arrest of Arvind Kejriwal by the Enforcement Directorate on March 21, in connection with the Delhi excise policy-linked money laundering case, has sparked significant debate. Dhankhar’s comments also touched upon the recent discussions around the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, asserting its non-discriminatory nature and reinforcing the theme of legal and judicial integrity in India.
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s statements serve as a robust defense of India’s judicial system and democratic values, asserting the nation’s commitment to the rule of law and the principles of fairness and transparency, even as it navigates the complexities of domestic governance and international relations.