‘Proud Of Our Constitution, Look At Neighbours’: Supreme Court On Unrest in Nepal, Bangladesh
The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday invoked the ongoing political turmoil in Nepal and Bangladesh to underscore the strength and resilience of the Indian Constitution. While hearing a matter related to the powers of governors, the top court took a moment to reflect on the violent anti-government protests that have engulfed its neighbours, expressing pride in India’s democratic framework.
“We are proud of our Constitution, see what is happening in neighbouring countries,” remarked Chief Justice of India BR Gavai. The observation came as a Constitution bench was discussing a presidential reference concerning timelines for governors to act on bills passed by state assemblies.
Justice Vikram Nath immediately added, “And Bangladesh,” referring to the student-led mass uprising last year that toppled the Sheikh Hasina-led government. The court’s comments directly pointed to the crisis in Nepal, where Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was forced to resign on Tuesday amid fiery protests.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, responded by citing the 1975 Emergency. “When Indira Gandhi imposed the Emergency, the people taught such a lesson that not just the party lost, she lost the seat,” Mehta argued. “Another government came that could not manage the people, so the same people brought her back.” CJI Gavai noted she returned “with a thumping majority,” to which Mehta replied, “Yes, this is the power of the Constitution. This is not a political argument.”
The court’s remarks were made as Nepal entered its third day of unrest. The Nepali Army, which took control of security on Tuesday night, has imposed nationwide restrictive orders and a curfew to quell the violence. A day earlier, protesters had set fire to the Parliament, the President’s office, the Supreme Court, and the residences of senior political leaders.
The agitation, which began over a social media ban and widespread corruption, has resulted in at least 19 deaths. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed grave concern, calling for an independent investigation into the fatalities and urging all parties to prioritize dialogue.
