Big countries will have big problems and big complications. This requires big minds and bigger hearts. Unfortunately, we in India lack in this. A government will have three wings – Legislature, Executive and Judiciary. There must be trust and harmony in these three wings for sustaining democracy and smooth functioning of the government.
Recent events indicate conflicts in these three wings of governance. Our election system is not only imperfect but also has many defects.They get further complicated with corrupt and dishonest policies of our political parties.
It is a matter of great satisfaction that our judiciary has had brilliant record of honesty and integrity. It goes to the credit of our judiciary that in spite of continuous efforts by politicians to derail it and force it to dance to the tunes of the powers that be, it stood its ground.
The present dispensation is trying hard to misuse judiciary to perpetuate its hold on power. The most destructive policy adopted by the present BJP-led government is to set Hindus and Muslims against each other, to forward its plan of polarisation of votes with a view to perpetuate its rule. This is the biggest and most dangerous aspect of BJP’s politics. They started their journey 11 years back with the aim of creating a “Congress-mukt India”. As was expected and predicted, it has now degenerated into a “Muslim-mukt Bharat”. If BJP is further allowed to rule, we may face degeneration of all basic institutions, further rise of communalism, rampant corruption, false propaganda, more empty promises, misuse of religious bigotry and death of federalism. These dangers are challenging as BJP-led government has failed in almost all parameters of economic progress and social cohesion.
Serious efforts are being made to develop a committed judiciary. By and large the old guards of judiciary have been resisting the obnoxious attempts of the government. But some instances indicate the bowing of judiciary to the whims and wishes of the regime. These can be seen in Babri Masjid verdict, electoral bonds verdict, dropping of the Chief Justice of India from the 3-member group to elect Chief Election Commissioner, and misuse of ED, CBI and weaponised Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), etc.
Now the arbitrary, unjust and anti-Constitution Waqf law is on the anvil of the Supreme Court. Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna appears to be firm in rejecting the unconstitutional provisions of this law. But CJI’s tenure is very short (he is retiring on 13th May). It is to be seen whether he succeeds in doing justice and full justice. It is quite possible the government may adopt the delaying tactics.
Meanwhile irresponsible politicians have been making derogatory remarks against judiciary and judges.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey alleged that, “Chief Justice of India Sanjeev Khanna was responsible for all civil wars in the country”. BJP Chief JP Nadda has distanced himself from this attack. But he needs to do more. He should condemn the attack on CJI. Dubey should be asked to tender an unconditional apology.
Nobody can predict what is in store for India.
Let us pray to Almighty Allah, the Bharat Bhagya Vidhata, to save our country from being suck into the vortex of injustice, disorder and lawlessness. Our Master, save us from the conspiracies of selfish politicians and wolves in the clothes of sheep. Give us strength to “see the things as they really are” and protect the unity and integrity of our beloved nation.