'Proud of our Constitution': Supreme Court cites Nepal, Bangladesh turmoil; what prompted observation?

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Wednesday drew parallels with Nepal and Bangladesh as it heard a presidential reference on its April 12 order, which set deadlines for the President and Governors to clear state bills.Chief Justice BR Gavai underlined the stability of India’s constitutional framework, remarking, “We are proud of our Constitution… see what is happening in our neighbouring states. Nepal, we saw.” He was referring to the anti-corruption protests in Nepal that erupted just two days ago, leaving 21 dead and forcing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign.Justice Vikram Nath added, “Yes, Bangladesh also,” invoking last year’s student-led revolt that left more than 100 dead, toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government, and installed an interim administration under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Both instances, the judges suggested, were stark reminders of how constitutional breakdowns can plunge nations into turmoil.The comments came as Solicitor-General Tushar Mehta defended Governors accused of delaying bills. Mehta said such delays were rare, pointing out that from 1970 to 2025 only 20 bills had been reserved for presidential consideration. He stressed that 90% of state bills are cleared within a month.The Chief Justice, however, pushed back. “We cannot take statistics… it will not be fair to them. We did not take their statistics, how can we take yours?” he told the Solicitor-General, noting objections to earlier data presented by state governments.The hearing stems from the court’s April order that sought to streamline the process for Governors and the President to act on bills, after repeated clashes between Raj Bhavans and state governments, including the DMK in Tamil Nadu over seven bills held up by Governor RN Ravi.By invoking Nepal and Bangladesh, the Supreme Court sought to underline the fragility of democratic structures when constitutional safeguards are ignored, even as it reaffirmed pride in India’s own system.