BJP MP triggers controversy with comments on CJI, SC, opposition slams BJP; Nadda distances party from remarks

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey stirred controversy after posting remarks on social media targetting the Supreme Court, alleging that the Chief Justice of India (CJI) “Sanjiv Khanna is responsible for all the civil wars happening in the country.” 

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Dubey said, “If the Supreme Court is making laws, then Parliament should be shut down.”

Dubey triggered a storm by accusing the Supreme Court of “inciting religious wars” and questioned its authority to make laws. He further remarked, “If one has to go to the Supreme Court for everything, then Parliament and state assemblies might as well be shut down.”

The Congress accused the BJP of “attempting to weaken the authority of the Supreme Court”.  

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated that the BJP is targeting the judiciary because it has held the government accountable on key constitutional matters.

“They are trying to weaken the Supreme Court,” Ramesh told reporters. “The BJP is actively undermining the powers granted to the apex court by the Constitution, especially because the court has called out the government on issues like electoral bonds and the Waqf matter.”

Reacting sharply to Dubey’s comments, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi mocked BJP leaders, calling them tubelights”. Owaisi reminded the BJP of Article 142 of the Constitution, which grants the Supreme Court the power to deliver complete justice in matters before it.

”You people (BJP) are tubelights. Do you even know what Article 142 is? It was framed by Dr BR Ambedkar,” said Owaisi, further accusing the BJP of threatening the judiciary through religious rhetoric.

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra slammed the BJP ove Dubey’s remarks, calling it “India’s lowest hour to be ruled by ignorant bullies”.

In a stinging post on X on Sunday, Moitra wrote, “Remember – a pitbull does nothing without its master’s command. Glad the entire country is watching. Proxy attacks on the judiciary. Brazen attempt to browbeat the bench – India’s lowest hour to be ruled by ignorant bullies.”

BJP MP Dinesh Sharma also weighed in, stating:

”There is a growing apprehension among the public. When Dr BR Ambedkar wrote the Constitution, he clearly outlined the roles of the legislature and the judiciary. According to the Constitution, no one can direct the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha. The President has already given assent to the law, and no one can challenge the President who is the supreme authority.”

These remarks come at a sensitive time, as the Supreme Court is currently hearing multiple petitions challenging the constitutionality of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, passed by the government in early April.

In response to the controversy, BJP national president J P Nadda issued a clarification via X, distancing the party from the remarks made by Dubey and Sharma.

“The comments made by BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey and Dinesh Sharma regarding the judiciary and the Chief Justice have no connection with the Bharatiya Janata Party. These are their personal views. The BJP neither agrees with nor endorses such statements and outrightly rejects them,” Nadda stated.

He further added, “The BJP has always respected the judiciary and has wholeheartedly accepted its orders and suggestions. As a party, we believe the Supreme Court, along with all other courts, is an integral part of our democracy and a strong pillar safeguarding the Constitution. I have directed both MPs, and all others, to refrain from making such statements in the future.”