"Space for Opposition shrinking": CJI Ramana

Jaipur: Political Opposition translating into hostility is no sign of a healthy democracy, said Chief Justice of India NV Ramana. He said that a robust parliamentary democracy requires a strong Opposition, too, PTI reported.

Addressing an event at the Rajasthan Assembly on '75 years of Parliamentary Democracy', he noted that mutual respect existed between government and Opposition before, which is not there nowadays. Laws are now being passed without deep discussion or scrutiny, and the space for an opposition is shrinking, he said.

He said that the people expect the judiciary to pull back the balance when legislative and executive surpass it, especially when the Opposition is not acting. Instead of engaging in meaningful debates for furthering democracy, politics has become acrimonious, he stated.

Ramana said, "The diversity of opinion enriches polity and society. Political Opposition should not translate into hostility, which we are sadly witnessing these days. These are not signs of a healthy democracy."

"There used to be mutual respect between the government and Opposition. Unfortunately, space for Opposition is diminishing," he said. "Sadly, the country is witnessing a decline in the quality of legislative performance," he said

Further, he said that every wing of the state should function efficiently and responsibly, which will reduce the burden on others considerably.

He opined that though the constitution does not specify the minimum number of days for which the state assembly must meet every year, longer engagements by the same will undoubtedly benefit citizens.

CJI also said that a strong, vibrant and active Opposition helps to improve the governance and corrects the functioning of the government. The cooperative functioning of government and the Opposition will lead to a progressive democracy.

He said lawmakers have quality assistance from legal professionals so that they are able to contribute to the debates meaningfully. Lawmaking is a complicated process, and one cannot expect every lawmaker to have a legal background, he added.

Later, he urged the youth to be familiar with the past and present issues, saying that proper awareness is needed for true empowerment. He told the youth, "Be aware, be informed, and it is only you who can decide your destiny. The future of this nation depends on your active participation in public life."