Key Points
- BJP MP Nishikant Dubey sparked outrage by blaming Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and the Supreme Court for “civil wars” and “inciting religious conflict” in India.
- Dubey questioned the Supreme Court’s authority to review laws, suggesting Parliament should be shut if courts make laws.
- Opposition leaders, including AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi, accused BJP of threatening the judiciary and undermining democracy.
- The BJP, led by party president JP Nadda, swiftly distanced itself from Dubey’s remarks, calling them personal opinions.
- The controversy comes amid Supreme Court hearings on the Waqf (Amendment) Act and debates over judicial overreach.
New Delhi: A fierce political controversy has erupted after BJP MP Nishikant Dubey launched a scathing attack on the Supreme Court and Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna. Speaking at a public event and in posts on social media, Dubey accused the Supreme Court of “inciting religious wars” and held CJI Khanna “responsible for all civil wars in the country.” He further argued that if the Supreme Court continues to act as a law-making body, “Parliament and State Assemblies should be shut down”.
Dubey’s comments came as the Supreme Court is hearing petitions challenging the constitutionality of the recently amended Waqf Act, with the court raising concerns about certain provisions. The government has agreed to pause implementation of some aspects of the law until the next hearing, intensifying debate over the judiciary’s role in reviewing legislation.
Owaisi, Opposition Leaders Condemn Dubey’s Statements
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi led the opposition backlash, accusing the BJP of threatening the judiciary and “conspiring against the Constitution and democracy.” Owaisi mocked BJP leaders as “tubelights,” questioned their understanding of Article 142 (which grants the Supreme Court wide powers to deliver justice), and warned that such rhetoric could weaken the nation.
Owaisi said, “You people (BJP) are in power and have become so radicalised that you’re now threatening the court with a religious war. Modi ji, if you don’t stop these people, the country will become weak. The country won’t forgive you, and tomorrow you won’t be in power”.
Congress and other opposition parties also condemned Dubey’s remarks, calling them a direct attack on judicial independence and the constitutional balance of power.
BJP Distances Itself, Calls Remarks “Personal Views”
Facing mounting criticism, BJP national president JP Nadda issued a strong statement distancing the party from Dubey’s comments. Nadda clarified that the remarks were made in Dubey’s personal capacity and do not reflect the BJP’s official position. “The Bharatiya Janata Party has always respected the judiciary and gladly accepted its orders and suggestions… The BJP neither agrees with such statements nor does it ever support such statements. The BJP completely rejects these statements,” Nadda posted on X.
Nadda also instructed Dubey and other party leaders to refrain from making such statements in the future, reaffirming the party’s commitment to upholding the judiciary as a pillar of Indian democracy.
Broader Debate on Judicial Overreach
The controversy comes amid a wider debate over the separation of powers, with some political leaders—including Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar—recently criticizing the Supreme Court for “judicial overreach” and setting deadlines for the President on legislative matters. The Supreme Court’s powers under Article 142 and its recent interventions in laws passed by Parliament have become flashpoints in the ongoing tussle between the judiciary and the legislature.
The episode underscores deepening tensions between branches of government and highlights the critical importance of judicial independence in India’s constitutional framework.
