The apex court rings its own chain
The article critiques the Indian Supreme Court's decision to take suo motu cognisance of a specific criminal case, arguing that the court is overstepping its role by acting on media reports. It suggests that the judiciary is becoming a bureaucratic entity that seeks attention rather than focusing on its traditional role as a final arbiter of justice.
Why it matters
This highlights a significant debate regarding judicial activism and the separation of powers within the Indian legal system.
I n 1605, on his accession, the Mughal Emperor Jahangir fastened a chain outside his palace. Any subject denied justice by his administration could pull the chain and reach the emperor directly. The chain was, in conception, a remedy against the bureaucracy. The Indian Supreme Court is now, in its suo motu cognisance of individual criminal cases, the bureaucracy itself, ringing its own version of the chain. Each televised listing is the sound of the apex court calling attention to itself.
The piece adopts a critical, analytical tone toward institutional authority, which is common in progressive legal commentary.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in