Political opposition translating into hostility not sign of a healthy democracy: CJI Ramana

NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India Justice NV Ramana on Saturday expressed disappointment at the prevailing political environment in the country, and pointed at a shrinking space for opposition.
Political opposition is translating into hostility which is not a sign of a healthy democracy, Justice Ramana said.
He was speaking at an event on '75 Years of Parliamentary Democracy' organised at the Rajasthan Assembly by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).
He urged for mutual respect between the government and the opposition, which he said is diminishing.

"Particularly, the leaders in the opposition used to play a stellar role. There used to be a lot of mutual respect between the government and the opposition. Unfortunately, the space for opposition is diminishing," he said.
A strong, vibrant and active opposition helps to improve the governance and corrects the functioning of the government, he added.
"In an ideal world, it is the cooperative functioning of the government and the opposition which will lead to a progressive democracy. After all, Project Democracy is a joint effort of all the stakeholders," he further said.
CJI Ramana also raised concerns over how some legislations have been passed without enough debate and scrutiny, pointing at a decline in the quality of legislative performance.
He said that in the absence of a thorough debate involving all the sides of the house, as a judge, he, at times, wonders as to how one traces the legislative intent behind the enactments.
The CJI also had a suggestion for the country's lawmakers.
"Law making is a complicated process. One cannot expect every lawmaker to have a legal background. It is essential that Members of the Legislature have quality assistance from legal professionals, so that they are able to contribute to the debates meaningfully. The Hon'ble Speaker may consider providing the assistance of qualified law clerks to each of the MLAs.
"We, as judges, are also assisted by law clerks in our day-to-day Court work. Let me assure you, it will really be helpful to you all," he said.
(With agency inputs)