Chief Justice of India B R Gavai on Wednesday emphasized the strength and stability of the Indian Constitution, remarking that its importance becomes more evident when compared with recent political unrest in neighboring countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh. “We feel proud of our Constitution when we look at the developments in nearby nations, like what unfolded in Nepal yesterday,” the CJI said.
The observations were made by a five-judge Constitution Bench, led by CJI Gavai and including Justices Surya Kant, Vikram Nath, P S Narasimha and A S Chandurkar. The bench is examining a Presidential reference linked to the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling which set time limits for the President and Governors to decide on bills sent by state legislatures.
The comments arose while the court was considering whether parties should be permitted to submit empirical data regarding the handling of bills by Governors. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta supported the Chief Justice’s view, while Senior Advocate A M Singhvi had tried to place some figures before the court. However, Mehta, representing the Centre, opposed Singhvi’s attempt.