Constitution ‘under fire’ in Modi regime

As India proudly celebrates its 75th Republic Day, the festivities are overshadowed by a palpable unease surrounding the state of the country’s Constitution under the leadership of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government.

The occasion, traditionally a symbol of democratic triumph, now prompts serious contemplation about the integrity of India’s foundational principles.

The Constitution of India, a document meticulously drafted by a committee led by Dr. Ambedkar, was adopted on November 26, 1949, by the Indian Constituent Assembly and came into effect on January 26, 1950, establishing a democratic government system.

In any democracy, the bedrock is a robust and impartial Constitution. However, recent events point towards unprecedented challenges, with the erosion of democratic norms, suppression of dissent, and the curtailment of fundamental freedoms emerging as unsettling trends.

These developments cast a dark shadow over the constitutional ideals that form the basis of the nation.

India’s success and longevity as a pluralistic country have been attributed to its secular nature. However, with a vision to transform the nation into a Hindu state, the stable structure of secularism is now at risk.

The attacks on secularity and freedom of rights in the current regime pose serious and insidious threats to the Constitution. Law enforcement agencies have increasingly employed the colonial-era sedition law to stifle intellectual dissidence, turning it into a potent tool against dissenters.

The spirit of adjustment, compromise, and consideration for the sensibilities of all sections of people has been the backbone of the Constitution’s success, but recent events challenge these principles.

There were multiple attempts from the Modi government to control the appointment of judges and interfere with the judiciary through the National Judicial Appointment Act.

While the Supreme Court declared the act ‘unconstitutional’ through the power of Judicial Review, the influence of the central government on the judiciary cannot be ignored.

The press, considered the last pillar of Indian democracy, is also under threat as many newspapers and news channels have succumbed to the pressure of the current regime.

With all the main institutions of democracy at risk, the judiciary faces challenges in resisting executive interference and ruling against executive excesses.

On this Republic Day, as we witness the grand parade and celebrations, it is crucial to reflect on the foundational principles of the Constitution. The integrity of the Constitution is intertwined with the commitment of those entrusted with upholding it.

The judiciary, media, and citizens must collectively ensure that the constitutional ideals that have shaped India’s democracy for 75 years are not eroded but strengthened for generations to come.

To safeguard the fundamental rights of Indian citizens, a robust democracy is indispensable. The threats to the Constitution are real and demand immediate attention.

The judiciary and the media, as the pillars of Indian democracy, must rise to the occasion to protect the constitutional fabric.