“Parliament is Supreme” Reiterates VP Jagdeep Dhankar, Renews Criticism of Judiciary

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday renewed his criticism of what he called judicial overreach, asserting that Parliament is the ultimate authority under the Constitution and that elected representatives are the final interpreters of its content.

“The Constitution is for the people, and elected representatives are the ultimate masters as to what its content will be. There is no provision in the Constitution that places any authority above Parliament. Parliament is supreme,” said Dhankar speaking at an event.

Referring to the 1977 elections following the Emergency, Dhankhar said the democratic system held a prime minister accountable. “Let there be no doubt – the Constitution is the people’s document. Democracy functions on the strength of elected representatives,” he said.

Questioning past Supreme Court rulings, he cited the contradictory views on the status of the Preamble — one stating it is not part of the Constitution (Golaknath case), and another affirming it is (Kesavananda Bharati case).

He also called for preserving India’s democratic ethos and criticised disruption of public order. “Democracy cannot tolerate the burning of public property and constant disruption. Such forces must be neutralised, first through counselling, and if needed, through stricter measures,” he said.

Calling for open dialogue, the Vice President said, “Our silence can be dangerous. Thinking minds must contribute to preserving our constitutional values. Every statement made by a constitutional authority must be guided by the Constitution.”

The Vice President’s comments come amid a growing standoff between the executive and judiciary, with several BJP leaders accusing the Supreme Court of stepping beyond its constitutional role. The debate has intensified following judicial interventions in matters traditionally handled by the legislature or executive, including orders directing timelines for the President to assent to state bills. Just a day prior, while hearing a petition seeking President’s Rule in violence-hit West Bengal, Justice B.R. Gavai observed, “You want us to issue a writ of mandamus to the President? As it is, we are already facing allegations of encroaching into the executive.”​