Today's decision by the Supreme Court to postpone the Lavalin case for the 38th time has reignited accusations of political maneuvering and judicial manipulation. Amidst the backdrop of this prolonged legal saga, a narrative has emerged, suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is leveraging the judiciary to shield Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan from accountability.
The Lavalin case, which has been mired in controversy for years, implicates high-profile figures in allegations of corruption and malfeasance. However, the repeated delays in its proceedings have fueled speculation about ulterior motives at play.
Critics argue that Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is exploiting the legal system to shield Vijayan, a prominent leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), from facing the consequences of his involvement in many corruption scandals. This narrative suggests that Modi's primary motivation is not to uphold the rule of law but rather to weaken the opposition, particularly the Indian National Congress, which has been vocal in its criticism of the Modi government.
Furthermore, there is a perception among some segments of the populace that Modi's government is selectively targeting political opponents using the central agencies like ED, NIA, CBI etc while turning a blind eye to corruption within its own ranks. This perception has only been exacerbated by the prolonged delays in the Lavalin case, which some view as evidence of a biased judiciary susceptible to political influence.
However, the perception of impropriety surrounding the Lavalin case underscores the importance of maintaining the independence and impartiality of the judiciary. The judiciary plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability, and any perception of political interference erodes public trust in the legal system.
Moreover, the judges and staff of the judiciary must realize that they are paid by the people. If they are unable to deliver justice in a timely manner, questions will inevitably arise about the necessity of such a system for the country..!
