The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday distanced itself from controversial remarks made by its MPs Nishikant Dubey and Dinesh Sharma targeting the Supreme Court.
BJP president JP Nadda, in a statement posted on X, clarified that the comments made by the two parliamentarians were their personal opinions and not endorsed by the party. He stated that the BJP neither agrees with the remarks nor supports them in any manner and added that both leaders, along with other party members, have been instructed not to make such statements in the future.
Reiterating the BJP's position, Nadda affirmed the party’s deep respect for the judiciary, describing it as a vital pillar of India's democracy and a guardian of the Constitution. He emphasised that the BJP has always accepted the judiciary’s directions and decisions with respect and sincerity, underlining that courts, including the Supreme Court, are an inseparable component of the nation’s democratic framework.
The controversy arose after BJP MP Nishikant Dubey questioned the relevance of Parliament, stating that if the Supreme Court intends to make laws, then there is no need for Parliament to function.
He posted on X and reiterated to news agencies that “if the Supreme Court has to make laws, then Parliament should be shut down.” In a further escalation, Dubey reportedly blamed Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna for civil unrest in the country, a statement that drew strong condemnation.
Dubey’s comments came in the context of an ongoing Supreme Court hearing on the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The court had raised concerns about various provisions of the Act, particularly the 'Waqf by user' clause. In response, the government informed the court that it would not implement certain sections of the Act until the next scheduled hearing on May 5.
Echoing similar sentiments, BJP MP Dinesh Sharma, a former deputy chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, also criticised the Supreme Court, asserting that no authority can direct Parliament or challenge the President.
He claimed that since the President has already assented to the Act, no one, including the judiciary, can question it, emphasising the constitutional supremacy of the President and the Parliament.
These statements by Dubey and Sharma come amid ongoing criticism of the judiciary by several political leaders. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has also voiced concern over what he described as judicial overreach. He stated that India was never intended to be a democracy where judges assume the roles of lawmakers, executives, or a "super Parliament."
Dhankhar further questioned the procedural complexity involved in filing an FIR against a sitting judge, a process that requires the consent of both the Chief Justice of India and the President. He contrasted this with his own position, noting that even a constitutional authority like himself is not immune to legal action.
The opposition reacted strongly to the remarks. Congress leader Salman Khurshid described Dubey’s comments as deeply troubling, saying it was unfortunate for a Member of Parliament to challenge the authority of the Supreme Court. He stressed that in India’s legal system, it is the judiciary, not the government, that has the final word.
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra accused the BJP of systematically attacking the judiciary, calling it a deliberate and coordinated attempt to intimidate judges. She suggested that BJP leaders act only under direct instruction, likening them to “pitbulls” unleashed by their masters.
Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar demanded immediate legal action against Nishikant Dubey, calling his statements disgraceful. She urged the Supreme Court to initiate suo motu contempt proceedings and take strict punitive action, including imprisonment.
Also Read: SC inciting religious wars, overstepping limits: Dubey
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