The recent remarks by BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey and Dinesh Sharma criticizing the Supreme Court have triggered strong backlash from the Opposition, with several leaders accusing the ruling party of attempting to undermine judicial independence.
AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi hit out at Godda MP Nishikant Dubey, demanding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi take immediate steps to stop party members from threatening the judiciary. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also weighed in, alleging that the Centre is actively working to weaken the authority of the Supreme Court.
Responding to the growing controversy, the BJP officially distanced itself from the statements made by its own MPs. A party spokesperson clarified that the comments were “personal statements” and stressed that the BJP “completely rejects” such views.
The controversy erupted weeks after the Supreme Court passed a landmark verdict that imposed a three-month deadline for the President and state Governors to grant assent to Bills passed by the legislature for the second time — a move seen as strengthening legislative accountability.
Nishikant Dubey’s Contentious Remarks
Speaking to ANI, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey expressed deep displeasure with the apex court’s growing involvement in governance. “If one has to go to the Supreme Court for everything, then Parliament and State Assemblies should be shut down,” Dubey said. He accused the judiciary of functioning with bias, saying, “Show me the face, and I will show you the law.”
Dubey also took issue with the court’s past decision to decriminalize homosexuality under Section 377 of the IPC, claiming that all major religions consider homosexuality a crime. He criticized the court for allegedly disregarding religious sentiments and claimed the judiciary is stoking religious tensions by its inconsistent approach to temple-mosque disputes like Ram Mandir, Krishna Janmabhoomi, and Gyanvapi.
He further questioned the court’s authority to set timelines for the President and Governors, asserting, “You will dictate Parliament? The President appoints the Chief Justice, not the other way around.”
Dinesh Sharma Echoes Sentiment
Adding to the controversy, BJP leader Dinesh Sharma said that the President of India is “supreme” and that no one, including the judiciary, can direct Parliament. “When Dr. Ambedkar wrote the Constitution, the roles of the Legislature and Judiciary were clearly demarcated. The President has already given assent — no one can challenge her,” Sharma said.
As the storm around these remarks intensifies, the issue has turned into a flashpoint over the separation of powers and the role of the judiciary in India’s constitutional democracy.
