Constitutional institutions must respect boundaries to ensure mutual respect: VP Jagdeep Dhankhar
Lucknow, May 1 (PTI): Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday underscored the importance of constitutional institutions adhering to their defined limits, stating that mutual respect among them can only be ensured when each remains within its jurisdiction.
He warned that conflicts among institutions do not foster a thriving democracy.
Speaking at the launch of Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel's memoir "Chunautiyan mujhe pasand hain", Dhankhar referred to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, saying that in such challenges the nation has to stand as one.
"Nation first should always be our guiding principle," he said, adding, "But the gravest challenges are those that arise from within."
Alluding to the recent Supreme Court response to the Waqf Amendment Bill passed by Parliament, he said, "The most dangerous challenges are the ones that come from within... which we cannot openly discuss. These have no logical basis, no connection to national development, and are rooted in governance. I have personally endured such challenges."
Reiterating his emphasis on institutional boundaries, the vice president stated, "It is our binding duty that all constitutional institutions respect each other - and such respect is only possible when institutions function within their respective domains. When there is confrontation, democracy does not flourish."
Dhankhar stressed that the Constitution calls for coordination, participation, deliberation, dialogue, and debate.
"To comment on a post as dignified as the President's is, in my opinion, a matter of deep reflection," he added.
"Every institution has its own defined role, and no institution should encroach on another's responsibility. We must honour the Constitution in its true spirit."
Drawing a clear line between the roles of different branches of government, he said, "Just as the legislature cannot deliver legal judgments - which is the judiciary's domain - similarly, the judiciary must refrain... I have the highest regard for the judiciary. Having practised law for over four decades, I can say we have some of the finest judges. But I appeal for a collaborative and cooperative approach."
Dhankhar had earlier publicly criticised the Supreme Court's intervention on the Waqf Amendment Act.
He also described freedom of expression and debate as essential elements of democracy but cautioned that when someone assumes himself absolute correct while dismissing all others as wrong "freedom of expression becomes a distortion".
He said, "Without debate and dialogue, the philosophical essence of our Vedas would vanish. That leads to ego and arrogance - both detrimental to free expression. India is the world's largest and oldest democracy with a vast cultural heritage. If anyone tries to challenge that under any circumstances, we must confront that challenge."
Recalling the Emergency, Dhankhar said, "Some believe public memory is short, but that's not true. Have we forgotten the Emergency? Though many years have passed, its dark shadows still loom. It was the darkest chapter in Indian history."
He congratulated Patel on her book and said, "Writing such a book is not easy - and writing it with honesty is even more difficult."
Merely writing "Chunautiyan Mujhe Pasand Hain" is itself a big challenge, he said.
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Teen killed in alleged honour killing over inter-community relationship, brother, his friend arrest
Manesar, Haryana: Police have arrested two men in connection with the sexual assault and murder of a 19-year-old woman in what investigators describe as a case of honour killing linked to her relationship with a man from another community.
According to the police, the crime was allegedly planned by the woman’s 28-year-old brother. He had sought the help of his 30-year-old friend to carry out the killing and the friend is accused of raping the young woman before murdering her.
The family, originally from Etah and Agra districts of Uttar Pradesh, had been living in Manesar, Haryana, for nearly six years, as reported by Hindustan Times. Police said tensions escalated after the brother discovered that his sister was in a relationship with a 24-year-old man from another community and intended to marry him. Opposed to the relationship, he sent her back to their family home in Etah on November 15.
The woman returned to Manesar on November 22 and began living with her partner. Assistant Commissioner of Police Virender Saini said this prompted the brother to plan killing her. Acting on his directions, the co-accused contacted the woman, posing as someone willing to help her elope and marry her partner.
Trusting him, the woman agreed to meet near Rampura Chowk on the night of December 10 and instead of assisting her, the accused allegedly took her to a secluded area in Gwalior. Police said she was sexually assaulted there and, when she resisted, was beaten and later strangled with her scarf. Her body was subsequently concealed under debris in a field.
Following the murder, both men fled to their native places. During the initial investigation, the brother allegedly tried to divert suspicion towards the woman’s boyfriend, who was briefly detained. He was later released after evidence established that the brother and his friend were present at the crime scene.
Police said the brother later confessed during questioning, while the co-accused acknowledged to the rape and murder. A case has been filed under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for murder, criminal conspiracy, and common intent. Officials stated that forensic evidence, such as DNA analysis, post-mortem discoveries, and medical tests, will be utilized to support the charges.
