New Delhi : The Supreme Court on Wednesday took note of the political upheaval in neighbouring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh to reaffirm the importance of the Indian Constitution. It also mentioned last year’s student-led mass uprising in Bangladesh that toppled the Sheikh Hasina-led government.
The SC made the observation while hearing the matter about presidential reference on whether courts could impose timelines for governors and the President to deal with bills passed by state assemblies.Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, then referred to the 1975 Emergency under then PM Indira Gandhi.
When Indira Gandhi imposed the Emergency, the people taught such a lesson that not just the party lost, she lost the seat. Another government came that could not manage the people, so the same people brought her back, Mehta said. To this, CJI Gavai said: “…with a thumping majority,” while Mehta replied, “yes, this is the power of the Constitution. This is not a political argument.”
The situation in Nepal has only escalated on the third day of student-led agitation. The army has imposed nationwide restrictive orders followed by a curfew to quell possible violence under the guise of protests. The army, which took control of nationwide security operations from Tuesday night after incidents of arson and vandalism across the country, said the restrictive orders will remain in force until 5 pm on Wednesday, and then a curfew will be in place until 6 am on Thursday (September 11).
Oli quit shortly after hundreds of agitators entered his office demanding his resignation for the death of at least 19 people in police action on September 8 (Monday) during protests over corruption and a social media ban. While the ban on social media was lifted late on Monday, the PM’s resignation has had little effect on the protesters, who continued with their demonstrations.
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