Balancing Democracy: Kerala Governor's Call for Institutional Respect

Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar emphasized the importance of respecting institutional boundaries in a democracy. Speaking at an award ceremony, he highlighted recent judicial interventions in university appointments, criticizing tendencies of power overreach. Arlekar stressed the role of Parliament and courts in amending and interpreting the Constitution, respectively.

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar highlighted the significance of respecting institutional boundaries within a democratic framework. His remarks came during an award ceremony for former Chief Justice P Sathasivam, amid a backdrop of tensions between the Kerala government and judiciary over university appointments.

Arlekar underscored the essential roles of Parliament and the judiciary, pointing out that only the elected legislature can amend the Constitution, while courts must adhere to interpreting it. His statements came as a response to recent Supreme Court interventions in Kerala's university vice-chancellor appointments, which he viewed as overreach.

The Governor, addressing an audience that included Kerala High Court judges, lamented contradictory judicial decisions, pressing for adherence to constitutional spirit. While accepting his award, Sathasivam echoed the need for courts to maintain humanistic principles amid growing digital influences.

(With inputs from agencies.)