VP Dhankhar Raises Concerns Over Constitutional Overreach in Public Statements

Highlighting India's rich intellectual heritage, Shri Dhankhar referred to the Vedas and other ancient scriptures as the foundation of Indian philosophy, spirituality, and sciences.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar today expressed serious concerns regarding recent public statements by individuals holding constitutional positions, which he believes are urging the Supreme Court to extend its jurisdiction beyond the Constitution's provisions. Speaking at the convocation of the first batch of the Joint Masters/LL.M degree in IP Law and Management at National Law University (NLU), Delhi, Shri Dhankhar highlighted the dangers of such overreach, suggesting it could harm the nation's economy.

Shri Dhankhar emphasized that the jurisdiction of institutions—whether legislative, executive, or judicial—is strictly defined by the Indian Constitution. He compared this to the practices in other democracies, such as the U.S. and the U.K., where the judiciary does not act beyond its constitutionally mandated powers. His remarks were particularly pointed, reflecting concern over what he described as a media campaign encouraging the Supreme Court to act suo-motu in a manner that could jeopardize economic stability.

The Vice President also addressed the youth, urging them to remain vigilant against forces that place partisan or self-interest above national welfare, warning that such actions could undermine the country's progress. He encouraged the students to explore careers beyond conventional paths like civil services, suggesting that fields such as disability technologies, space exploration, and the ocean blue economy offer vast opportunities for significant contributions.

In his speech, Shri Dhankhar criticized the prevalent culture of coaching centers, which he feels exploit the aspirations of young students by spending large sums on advertisements. He lamented that the funds for these extravagant advertisements come directly from the pockets of students striving for a better future.

Highlighting India's rich intellectual heritage, Shri Dhankhar referred to the Vedas and other ancient scriptures as the foundation of Indian philosophy, spirituality, and sciences. He urged the audience to embrace this ancient wisdom, particularly the teachings of the Rig Veda, which advocate for the free flow of noble thoughts and ideas. According to him, these authentic sources of knowledge should inspire modern intellectual pursuits, reinforcing the relevance of India's ancient wisdom in today's globalized world.

Shri Dhankhar also underscored the importance of intellectual property (IP) law and management in driving innovation and economic growth. He highlighted India's significant progress in strengthening its IP regime, aligning it with international standards, and ensuring robust protection of both modern and traditional knowledge. This alignment, he noted, is crucial for attracting foreign investment and fostering technology transfer, positioning India as a key player in the global economy.

The event was also attended by Smt. Himani Pande, Additional Secretary, DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Prof. (Dr.) G.S. Bajpai, Vice Chancellor, National Law University Delhi, Prof. (Dr.) V K Ahuja, Director, Indian Law Institute, along with students and other dignitaries.