Vice-President cautions against incursions by Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary into one-another’s domains

The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, today highlighted the Doctrine of Separation of Powers, and cautioned against incursions by the Executive, Legislature, and the Judiciary into one-another’s domains. Emphasizing Parliament as the ‘ultimate repository of people’s aspirations,’ he underscored the Legislature’s unquestionable sovereignty as the ultimate decision-maker in a democracy.

Interacting with the students and Faculty of National Law University (NLU), Jodhpur, the Vice-President noted that the criminal laws in the country had, for long, been punitive and rooted in a colonial mind-set. He stressed that the intent behind the proposed legislations slated to replace the Indian Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Code and the Evidence Act was a holistic reassessment of the criminal justice system.

Reflecting on the recent disruptions in Parliament, Shri Dhankhar stressed that it is expected of Parliamentarians to engage in constructive debates, dialogues and deliberations rather than disruptions. While appealing for respect towards differing viewpoints, the Vice-President reiterated that not being open to an idea goes against rational functioning and undermines the ‘basic essence of intellect and is antithetical to democratic values’.

Describing the Naari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam as a ‘game-changer bill,’ the Vice-President drew attention to the historic turn of events during the debate on the bill. Shri Dhankhar pointed out that 17 women Parliamentarians were appointed to the Panel of Vice-Chairpersons in the Rajya Sabha to allow their competence and leadership to guide the bill through its passage.

During his address, the Vice-President cautioned students against being silent spectators when the nation’s institutions are tainted or tarnished, emphasising that such silence could impede the country’s advancement. He encouraged them to proactively express their concerns to combat anti-Bharat narratives.

Recognizing the ‘Youth Power’ as the greatest force in a democracy, Shri Dhankhar entrusted students with the task of ‘taking Bharat to the pinnacle when the nation celebrates its centenary of independence in 2047’ while upholding democratic values, a strong work culture, and India’s civilisational ethos.

Praising India’s robust judicial system, the Vice-President underscored the fundamental principle that no individual is above the law, reiterating that in a democratic society, strict adherence to legal processes is an imperative for all.

The Vice-President also invited the University to send five students as interns to assist him in his capacity as Chairman, Rajya Sabha, during the forthcoming Winter Session of Parliament.

Dr. Harpreet Kaur, Vice Chancellor of NLU Jodhpur and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

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MS/JK/RC