BENGALURU: The "fourth branch" institutions such as the Election Commission, Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and public service commissions "cannot be retirement homes for civil servants and judges", Supreme Court judge Justice P.S. Narasimha said on Sunday as he underlined the critical role of these institutions in upholding democratic governance.
Justice Narasimha was speaking at the second Justice E.S. Venkataramiah Centennial Memorial Lecture in Bengaluru, an event to celebrate the life and legacy of India's 19th Chief Justice of India, whose illustrious career was deeply intertwined with the themes of institutional integrity and democratic governance.
Justice Narasimha emphasised that the bodies under the fourth branch institutions must embody democratic values through collective decision-making, autonomy and accountability, calling for their reinvigoration to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving society.
"We need institutions that can withstand political tribulations, hold power-wielding officials accountable, and ensure a smooth democratic process," said the judge as he elaborated on the unique function of fourth branch institutions, which operate independently of the three traditional organs of the state -- executive, legislature and judiciary.
This story is from the December 23, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 23, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Lenders auction more gold as Reserve Bank steps up scrutiny
Companies lending against gold are auctioning the collateral in higher quantities to recover stressed loans, at a time of rising regulatory scrutiny over the sector.
Congress calls 3 GST slabs for popcorn absurd’, slams govt
GST COUNCIL ON SATURDAY AGREED TO ISSUE A CLARIFICATION ON TAXATION OF POPCORN
Akash Deep keeping it simple, with doses of Bumrah wisdom
The pacer's focus is to not go searching for wickets in conditions that are new to him
How has India done in ensuring social and economic justice?
The winter session of Parliament ended with a big fight between the treasury and Opposition benches on the issue of their contribution to the legacy of BR Ambedkar, India's biggest social emancipator and one of the key architects of the Constitution, and whether home minister Amit Shah spoke disrespectfully about him in his speech in the Rajya Sabha.
C’garh CM looking to attract investments as LWE declines
Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai, along with a team of top state bureaucrats, are set to meet industrialists and investors in the Capital on Monday with an aim to boost the state's economic and industrial growth in view of the declining cases of left wing extremism (LWE), officials aware of the matter said.
32 die in stampedes
Nigerian police on Sunday raised the death toll to 32 from two stampedes outside centres distributing food to the poor.
Bankruptcies, suicides rise as Japan struggles
Personal debt is overwhelming an increasing number of Japanese as higher interest rates and the rising cost of living bite. Consumer loans are rising at the highest rate in 16 years.
Myanmar-made arms recovered in Manipur
The recovery of a StarLink antenna and router from a militant hideout in Manipur's Imphal East district wasn't the only prohibited item, suspected to be smuggled from Myanmar, that Assam Rifles personnel recovered on December 13.
'Justice, Constitution align when more women are on the bench... they bring fresh perspective'
Justice BV Nagarathna spoke candidly on a range of issues, reflecting on the enduring legacy of her father, justice ES Venkataramiah, and sharing her thoughts on her impending tenure as the first woman Chief Justice of India.
Farmers urge SC to step in as House panel backs MSP law
Farm leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a fast unto-death, and several protesting farmers' unions have urged the Supreme Court to ask the Centre to implement a parliamentary standing committee's recommendation for legally guaranteed support prices.
