“Shut Down Parliament If SC Runs Everything”: BJP MP Attacks Judiciary Amid Waqf Act Row

New Delhi: In a fiery escalation of criticism aimed at the judiciary, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey made contentious remarks on Saturday, accusing the Supreme Court of overstepping its authority and “inciting religious wars.” His comments come amid ongoing tensions between the judiciary and the executive over constitutional boundaries and recent court rulings.

Speaking on the backdrop of the Supreme Court’s recent interventions, Dubey stated, “If we have to approach the Supreme Court for everything, then Parliament and State Assemblies should be shut down.” He also blamed the apex court for triggering religious discord in the country.

The Godda MP’s comments mirror earlier criticism from Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who described Article 142as a “nuclear missile” in the hands of the judiciary, alleging it was being used excessively. Dhankhar had raised concerns after the top court laid down a deadline for the President and Governors to act on bills passed by state legislatures, calling it an overreach.

Dubey questioned the legal foundation of the Supreme Court’s directive to the President, stating:
“The President appoints the Chief Justice. Parliament makes the law. How can the judiciary dictate terms to these institutions? This is a path to anarchy.”

The ruling BJP has not officially responded to Dubey’s controversial remarks.

Congress Slams Remarks as “Attack on Judiciary”

Opposition leaders condemned the statement, warning that continued criticism of the judiciary threatens democratic institutions. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh said, “There’s a concerted attempt to undermine the Supreme Court. Whether it’s electoral bonds, the Waqf Act, or the Election Commission—this is part of a pattern.”

Congress MP Manickam Tagore labelled Dubey’s remarks “defamatory” and urged the judiciary to take notice, especially as the comments were made publicly and not under parliamentary privilege.

Imran Masood, another Congress leader, called the statement “unfortunate,” suggesting that the BJP’s frustration stemmed from recent rulings that did not favour the government.

Context: Supreme Court Hearing on Waqf Act

Dubey’s comments coincide with ongoing Supreme Court hearings on petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Petitioners have argued that the law violates constitutional rights related to equality and religious freedom.

On April 17, the Centre assured the court that it would refrain from denotifying Waqf properties classified under ‘user rights’ and would not appoint non-Muslim members to the Waqf Board. This assurance came after the court suggested it might stay parts of the legislation.

The controversy follows a recent landmark ruling where the Supreme Court struck down Governor RN Ravi’s withholding of 10 Tamil Nadu bills, declaring the move “illegal and arbitrary.” The ruling included a timeline for assent by constitutional authorities, which sparked broader concerns about judicial overreach from leaders like Dhankhar and Dubey.

As the debate intensifies, the balance of power between India’s key democratic institutions remains a focal point in both legal and political circles.