Contempt rule on secretaries

In fact, the entire nation watched and listened over the last four years what the law minister has been saying before asking for time-extensions to implement the directives of the SC. Initially, he talked positively on the issue of separation. But, towards the end he began to oscillate and then without a blink of an eye he let the nation know that it was not an easy undertaking and could not be completed during the tenure of the present government. So, the question is, where are we on this vital issue of separation of judiciary?

It is of paramount importance that the highest court of the country in discharge of its sacrosanct constitutional responsibilities ensure that its orders are executed. Those defying or ignoring the directives must be made to face the wrath of law. However, a pertinent question that arises from all these is, did the officials act of their own accord or they were dictated to by the political higher-ups.

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It is our hope that the court will take due cognizance of the question of political diktat coming into play in this instance. We reiterate our support for the effort of the judiciary for its separation from the executive. We have criticised earlier the delaying tactics of the government and do so even now. The core question is what has the government done during the four years of time extension that it took. Has requisite progress been made? We seriously doubt. And that is where the real contempt lies.