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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Bihar: Over 150 children fall ill after consuming 'mid-day meal' in Saharsa
Saharsa (PTI): More than 150 children were taken ill after allegedly consuming food that was part of the mid-day meal in a school in Bihar’s Saharsa district, a senior official said on Thursday.
The incident occurred at a middle school in Baluaha village of the district.
The official said that 115 children were undergoing treatment at the Sadar Hospital, while around 50 students were admitted to Mahishi Public Health Centre.
“We received information that several children fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal in Baluaha. The children were initially treated at the primary health centre, but later, many were referred to the Sadar Hospital,” Saharsa District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar told reporters.
“According to doctors, the health condition of the children has improved, but they will be kept under observation for some time. There is no need to panic. Some kids are having mild fever. They are being treated accordingly,” Kumar said.
Meanwhile, family members of some children claimed that a snake was found in the container in which cooked pulses was stored at the school.
Of the 545 students present in the school, 200 had already eaten their meals by the time the snake was spotted, and later complained of stomach ache and vomiting, they said.
Regarding the claims, the DM said food samples have been collected from the school.
“We will be able to comment on this only after the results of the tested samples arrive,” he said.
