VP Dhankhar Criticizes Supreme Court Ruling, Warns Against Judicial Overreach

Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar has strongly criticized what he called judicial overreach, following a recent Supreme Court ruling that set a three-month timeline for the President and Governors to clear or return Bills. He said courts cannot issue directives to the President, a role which holds the highest constitutional authority.

Addressing Rajya Sabha interns, Dhankhar questioned the growing power of the judiciary, claiming Article 142—meant to ensure “complete justice”—has become a “nuclear missile against democratic forces,” used without accountability.

Dhankhar also raised serious concerns over the delay in disclosing a massive cash recovery from the home of Justice Yashwant Varma in March. He questioned the week-long silence that followed the incident, saying, “Had this happened at an ordinary citizen’s home, action would’ve been immediate.”

The Vice-President noted that no FIR has been filed against the judge, pointing out that judges seem to enjoy a level of immunity not granted by the Constitution. “Only the President and Governors have immunity. Then how can others be placed above the law?” he asked.

He also questioned the formation of a three-judge internal inquiry panel into the cash case, saying investigations are the responsibility of the executive, not the judiciary. "This committee has no constitutional or legal backing," he claimed, emphasizing that only Parliament can take action against judges.

Dhankhar expressed concern over the lack of progress in the investigation, warning that this undermines public trust in the system. "Even if it's uncomfortable, the truth must come out. It's time to clean the system," he added.

His comments came shortly after the Supreme Court criticized Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi for sitting on 10 Bills and called his actions "illegal and arbitrary." The Court ruled that if a Governor withholds assent, the Bill must either be cleared or returned within three months. It also stated that even Presidential decisions can be reviewed under Article 201.

Dhankhar said such rulings undermine the separation of powers. “Judges are now making laws, performing executive functions, and acting like a super-Parliament—without accountability,” he warned.

He concluded by urging respect for constitutional roles and warning against the judiciary overstepping its limits.