Constitution is Supreme: P Chidambaram corrects Vice President's Remarks
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New Delhi: Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday corrected Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar that the Constitution, not parliament, is supreme contrary to the latter’s claim.
Dhankar on Wednesday said the power of parliament to amend the Constitution is not subject to any other authority, except the ‘lifeline’ of democracy.
The Vice President made the remarks at the 83rd All India Presiding Officers Conference in Jaipur.
Responding to the Vice President’s line of thought, Chidambaram tweeted that the "basic structure" doctrine was aimed to prevent a majoritarian-driven assault on the foundational principles of the Constitution.
The essence of the parliament, according to the Vice President, lies the mandate of the people and their welfare.
Chidambaram asked whether it would be valid for the parliament to convert parliamentary system to presidential system through majority in the parliament, or take away legislative powers of the state or repeal the State List in the Schedule VII.
Arguing further he said nothing prevented the Government from initiating a new bill after striking down the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act.
Chidambaram called upon Constitution-loving citizen to be on the alert to the dangers ahead.
Dhankar earlier said that 'the basic' of any 'basic structure' has to be the supremacy of mandate of people, adding that Judiciary, the executive and the legislature have to confirm to their ‘respective domains’.
Dhankhar was reacting to the increasing instances of disruptions in Parliament and Legislatures. He asked the representatives to be conscious of the expectations and aspirations of the people.