Mr Dhankhar emphasized that “equality before the law is the new norm” in India.
New Delhi:
Emphasizing that India is a unique democracy, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said the country does not need lessons from anyone on the rule of law. His comments came after Germany, the US and the United Nations made comments on the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. The questions to US and UN representatives that prompted the comments also focused on the freezing of Congress’s bank accounts.
Speaking on Friday, the Vice President said, “India is a democracy with a robust legal system. This cannot be compromised by any individual or group. India does not need lessons from anyone on the rule of law.”
Mr Dhankhar emphasized that “equality before the law is the new norm” in India and that those who thought they were outside the law will be held accountable.
In a possible reference to the AAP’s planned rally against the arrest of Mr Kejriwal at Ramlila Maidan in New Delhi on Sunday, which will be attended by several leaders of the INDIA alliance, the Vice President said: “But what do we see we? The law takes its course, they take to the streets, debates at high decibels, with guilt of the worst kind camouflaged by human rights. This is happening under our noses,” he added.
Describing India’s legal system as robust, independent and pro-people, he asked, “What is the justification for a person, an institution or an organization to take to the streets when the law is put into effect?”
Speaking at the 70th Founders’ Day celebration of the Indian Institute of Public Administration, Mr Dhankhar also said that people engaged in “lawbreaking” are now playing the victim card.
“Corruption is no longer a pathway to opportunity, employment or a contract. It’s a doorway to jail… Can you go on a high moral ground that the corrupt shouldn’t be dealt with because it’s a festive season or because it’s farming? How can there be a season to save those who are guilty,” the vice president asked.
Following the comments by representatives of the US and Germany, India had summoned their envoys. The country called the comments “unjustified”, “biased” and “unacceptable”, but has so far not responded to the statement from a spokesperson for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.