Former Supreme Court judge Justice Abhay S Oka said judges are guided only by the Constitution and law, rejecting any ‘divine’ or external influence in delivering verdicts. He stressed that every judicial decision must strictly stand the test of constitutional principles and legal reasoning.
Justice AS Oka emphasized the ongoing threats to judicial independence in India during the Justice H.R. Khanna Memorial Lecture. He criticized delays in judicial appointments as damaging and demoralizing, urging judges and lawyers to remain vigilant. Oka highlighted historical instances of judicial integrity and encouraged future legal professionals to prioritize constitutional values over recognition.
Prashant Bhushan criticizes the BJP for overlooking attacks on democracy while recalling the 1975 Emergency, likening it to an ongoing “undeclared Emergency” that restricts rights and weakens institutions. He highlights the misuse of investigative agencies, erosion of judicial independence, and media compliance as threats to democracy, urging a reaffirmation of constitutional values.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant criticized the BJP for likening the current political climate to the Emergency era, asserting it reflects an “undeclared Emergency.” He condemned the judiciary’s inaction on anti-defection laws and questioned its independence, accusing it of failing to protect the Constitution and uphold democratic principles amid alleged government interference.
