Right-wing populism poses growing threat to democracy, constitutional balance: Brazilian SC chief
Bengaluru: Justice Luis Roberto Barroso, president of Brazil's Federal Supreme Court, addressed students at the National Law School of India University in Bengaluru on Tuesday, highlighting the increasing threat posed by right-wing populism to democratic values. He emphasised the crucial role of Supreme Courts in both Brazil and India as defenders of constitutional values.
Justice Barroso characterised constitutional democracy as a “two-sided coin,” emphasising the need for both popular sovereignty, through free and fair elections, and the rule of law, which includes protections for fundamental rights. “These two sides must coexist for true democracy. Rule of the majority without constitutional limits can easily slide into abuse,” he was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.
He also warned of the divisive nature of right-wing populism, which often fosters an “us versus them” mentality that erodes trust in essential democratic institutions. “(Right wing) populism tends to frame society into two sides—the ‘good people’ they claim to represent and the ‘corrupt elite’ they accuse of undermining the majority’s will,” Barroso mentioned.
Justice Barroso cautioned that in this framework, the courts, press, and universities, are often labelled as enemies for not conforming to narratives of the majority. He further shed light that populist governments frequently seek to fill courts with loyalists who will prioritise their interests rather than uphold the constitution, as mentioned by the publication.
He asserted that courts must resist authoritarian encroachment in this global wave of democratic recession, adding that the Supreme Courts like those in Brazil and India must act as defenders of constitutional values. “Our role is to protect human dignity, fundamental rights, and the rule of law—without becoming political actors. By remaining impartial and committed to these principles, courts play a crucial role in sustaining democracy, even in the face of populist pressures that seek to destabilise it,” he added.
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SC should take cognisance: Priyanka on Sambhal issue
New Delhi (PTI): In the wake of violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday accused the Yogi Adityanath government of creating divisions while sitting in power and urged the Supreme Court to take cognisance of the matter and deliver justice.
Three people were killed and scores of others, including security and administration personnel, injured as protesters opposing a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal clashed with police on Sunday.
In a post in Hindi on X, Priyanka Gandhi said, "The attitude of the state government regarding the sudden dispute in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, is very unfortunate. The way the administration acted in haste in such a sensitive matter without listening to the other side, without taking both the parties into confidence, shows that the government itself spoiled the atmosphere there."
The administration did not even consider it necessary to follow the necessary procedure and duty, the Congress general secretary said.
"Trying to spread discrimination, oppression and division while sitting in power is neither in the interest of the people nor in the interest of the country. The honourable Supreme Court should take cognisance of the matter and do justice," Priyanka Gandhi said.
"My appeal to the people of the state is to maintain peace in all circumstances," she asserted.
The district administration has imposed prohibitory orders and barred the entry of outsiders till November 30 following Sunday's violence.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Moradabad) Muniraj told reporters on Monday that Naeem, Bilal and Nauman -- the three men who died in Sunday's violence -- had been buried. All three were aged about 25.
Divisional Commissioner (Moradabad) Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said on Sunday, "Shots were fired by miscreants... the PRO of the superintendent of police suffered a gunshot to the leg, the circle officer was hit by pellets and 15 to 20 security personnel were injured in the violence."
A constable also suffered a serious head injury while the deputy collector fractured his leg, he had said.
Internet services were soon suspended in Sambhal tehsil for 24 hours and the district administration declared a holiday in all schools for Monday.
The Congress on Sunday alleged that the Adityanath administration was squarely responsible for killing innocents and only the BJP-RSS was guilty of "setting fire" to peace and harmony in Sambhal.
The opposition party had said the videos of direct firing on the protesters depicted the horrifying result of a "well-planned conspiracy" by Adityanath and the BJP-RSS.
