Chief Justice of India NV Ramana was addressing the Indian diaspora at an event organised by Association of Indo-Americans at San Francisco, USA.The CJI said :"As we celebrate 75th year of Independence this year and as our Republic turned 72, with some sense of regret I must add here that we still haven't learnt to appreciate wholly the roles and responsibilities assigned by the Constitution...
Chief Justice of India NV Ramana was addressing the Indian diaspora at an event organised by Association of Indo-Americans at San Francisco, USA.
The CJI said :
"As we celebrate 75th year of Independence this year and as our Republic turned 72, with some sense of regret I must add here that we still haven't learnt to appreciate wholly the roles and responsibilities assigned by the Constitution to each of the Institutions. The party in power believes that every Governmental action is entitled to judicial endorsement. The parties in opposition expect the judiciary to advance their political positions and causes. This flawed thinking of all hues flourishes in the absence of proper understanding among people about the Constitution and the functioning of the democratic institutions. It is the vigorously promoted ignorance among general public which is coming to the aid of such forces whose only aim is to run down the only independent organ".
He asserted that the judiciary is "answerable to the Constitution and Constitution alone".
"To enforce checks and balances envisioned in the Constitution, we need to promote Constitutional culture in India. We need to spread awareness about the roles and responsibilities of individuals and institutions. Democracy is all about participation", he added.