Abp Albert D’Souza

This is an extraordinary event in the history of India. If true, the four judges reflected very clearly the irreparable assault on the most important pillar of our democracy. Saffronisation is controlling democracy and the government at all levels; this confession of the Judges is to be appreciated. If the Chief justice does not uphold the independent nature of judiciary, someone else has to take the initiative for it. Through this extraordinary step, the judges have voiced a serious concern troubling the nation. The power of the government is being used to divert peoples’ attention when someone speaks out against the government or raises issues regarding democracy and human rights. Points raised by the four judges are extremely important. They said there is a threat to democracy; that needs to be looked into carefully. Explaining their unprecedented action, the judges said they were driven by the fear that failure to communicate their concerns could jeopardize the institution of the Supreme Court and thereby democracy. But will they get the nation’s wholehearted support? Are the mouths of Journalists free? The TV channels are not effective. The conscience of the nation has been lulled to sleep. Human rights, minority rights and principles of justice are under great strain in our country, just like it was in Nazi Germany. It is very worrying, and I feel helpless about it. Who knows what follows next? We should do all we can to mobilize a strong opposition and pray to God to safe-guard our nation.