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Jagdeep Dhankhar calls Article 142 a nuclear missile after Supreme Court order setting timeline for President to clear bills

The remarks follow the Supreme Court’s April 8 judgment, which marked a historic first by imposing a three-month deadline for the President and Governors to approve or reject Bills re-passed by state legislatures.

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Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the judiciary, branding Article 142 of the Constitution a “nuclear missile” that threatens democratic principles, always at the judiciary’s disposal.

The remarks follow the Supreme Court’s April 8 judgment, which marked a historic first by imposing a three-month deadline for the President to approve or reject Bills reserved by the Governors.

Speaking at the valedictory ceremony for the 6th batch of Rajya Sabha interns at the Vice President’s Enclave, Dhankhar expressed alarm over a recent Supreme Court ruling directing the President to act on Bills within a set timeframe, arguing it undermines the separation of powers.

The bench, led by Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, ruled that delays beyond this period require justification and affirmed that the President’s actions under Article 201 are subject to judicial review. The court also advised the President to refer Bills raising constitutional questions to the judiciary and urged coordination between states and the Centre.

This ruling stemmed from a dispute in Tamil Nadu, where Governor R.N. Ravi’s delay in assenting to 10 Bills was deemed “illegal” and “arbitrary” by the court, allowing the state to challenge the President’s withholding of assent.

Dhankhar, however, called the directive to the President—a figure sworn to uphold the Constitution—unacceptable. “Where are we heading? Directing the President to act within a timeframe, failing which a Bill becomes law? This allows judges to legislate, govern, and act as a super-parliament without accountability,” he said, warning of a judiciary overstepping its constitutional role under Article 145(3) to interpret the law.

Emphasising the separation of powers, Dhankhar argued that the elected Executive is answerable to Parliament and voters, unlike the judiciary. “If judges govern, who do we question? How do we hold them accountable at elections?” he asked, urging the legislature, judiciary, and executive to operate within their designated domains to safeguard democracy. “Any overreach by one into another’s sphere is a dangerous challenge,” he added.

Dhankhar also raised concerns about judicial accountability, citing a March 14-15 incident where a large cash stash was discovered at the residence of Delhi High Court Judge Yashwant Varma.

He criticised the lack of an FIR and the formation of a three-judge committee to probe the matter, questioning why the Executive’s investigative authority was bypassed. “The Constitution grants immunity from prosecution only to the President and Governors. How has another category secured such protection?” he asked.

Noting that over a month has passed since the cash haul, Dhankhar demanded transparency. “Even if it’s a can of worms or skeletons in the closet, it’s time to open the lid and let the truth out for institutional cleansing,” he said, contrasting the slow response with the swift action he believes would have followed a similar incident at his own residence.

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DMK leader’s son arrested after car rams family in Krishnagiri, one dead

A 20-year-old son of a DMK leader has been arrested for allegedly driving a car into four members of a family in Krishnagiri, killing assistant labour inspector Sivamoorthy.

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DMK leader

A 20-year-old son of a leader from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has been arrested for allegedly mowing down four members of a family following a heated argument in Tamil Nadu’s Krishnagiri district. One person died in the incident, police said.

The deceased has been identified as Sivamoorthy, an assistant labour inspector and a resident of Krishnagiri. According to the police, the incident occurred outside his residence after the accused, identified as Adithya, objected to a two-wheeler parked on the road.

Police said Adithya was driving the car and began honking as the two-wheeler was blocking the road. Sivamoorthy and his family members reportedly stepped out to move the vehicle. During the exchange that followed, an altercation broke out.

Investigators allege that Adithya then rammed his car into Sivamoorthy, his son Kirubakaran, daughter-in-law Amsavalli and granddaughter Nilani. Sivamoorthy sustained severe injuries and later succumbed. The others were injured in the incident.

Besides Adithya, two of his friends — Rithik Kumar and Harish — who were present in the car at the time, have also been arrested. A case of murder has been registered against the trio and further investigation is underway.

Kirubakaran, recounting the incident, said the family had attempted to move the parked two-wheeler when the accused damaged it. He alleged that the men appeared intoxicated and tried to assault them with a stick before the vehicle was driven into the family.

Amsavalli said they had tried to defuse the situation peacefully but the confrontation turned violent, resulting in her father-in-law’s death and injuries to her child.

A police officer stated that Adithya’s father is a local functionary of the DMK in Krishnagiri district. The victim’s family has demanded strict action in the case.

Reacting to the incident, state BJP chief Nainar Nagendran criticised the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, questioning the state government over the episode and alleging that party functionaries were misusing their influence.

Police said the probe is ongoing.

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Security tightened across Delhi metro stations after bomb threat emails

Delhi is on high alert after bomb threat emails targeted metro stations, the Red Fort and the Assembly. Authorities confirmed the threats were hoaxes but tightened security as a precaution.

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Delhi Metro

Security has been intensified across all metro stations and major installations in the national capital after a series of bomb threat emails were received on Monday. Authorities later confirmed that the threats were hoaxes following detailed inspections by security agencies.

According to officials, several key institutions — including the Delhi Secretariat, Delhi Assembly, the Red Fort and two schools — received threatening emails earlier in the day. Extensive searches were carried out at all the locations mentioned in the messages, but nothing suspicious was found.

A senior police officer said cyber teams are working to trace the origin of the emails. Preliminary findings suggest that the senders may have used Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in an attempt to conceal their identities and mislead investigators. Officials expressed confidence that those responsible would be identified.

Metro stations under heightened surveillance

Following specific references to metro services in the emails, security arrangements were strengthened across the entire network of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. Additional personnel have been deployed at stations, and anti-sabotage checks are being conducted.

Police said random frisking of passengers and intensified CCTV surveillance are being carried out as part of precautionary measures. Bomb disposal squads and dog squads were stationed at sensitive sites, including the Red Fort, Delhi Secretariat and the Assembly complex.

The threatening emails reportedly included the slogan “Delhi banega Khalistan” and warned of explosions at an Army school, the Assembly and the Red Fort at specific times during the day. Officials stated that all mentioned locations were thoroughly checked and declared safe.

Authorities also coordinated with counterparts in neighbouring states to enhance security at metro stations falling under their jurisdictions.

While no explosives were found, officials said the tightened security arrangements will remain in place as a precaution. Cyber teams continue efforts to trace the IP addresses and identify those behind the threat emails.

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JNU protest turns violent as Left and Right student groups trade charges

A late-night protest at JNU turned violent as Left and ABVP student groups accused each other of stone-throwing and attacks near the East Gate.

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JNU Protest

Tension gripped the campus of Jawaharlal Nehru University in the early hours of Monday after a protest march allegedly spiralled into violence, with rival student groups accusing each other of triggering the unrest.

Students claimed that the incident occurred around 1.30 am when a confrontation broke out during a march called by the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union. The protest, named “Samta Juloos”, was headed towards the East Gate and was organised to demand the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit and the withdrawal of a rustication order.

According to protesters, several students were injured after alleged stone-throwing during the clash. They alleged that the university administration did not intervene during the march and instead permitted members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad to confront demonstrators.

However, the ABVP denied the allegations and countered that Left-affiliated organisations instigated the confrontation and were spreading misinformation about the events.

Left-backed groups, including the All India Students’ Association, claimed that ABVP activists targeted the JNUSU encampment and hurled stones at “unarmed students”, leading to multiple injuries.

Videos shared by students on social media reportedly showed chaotic scenes near the protest site, with members of rival groups engaged in heated exchanges and physical scuffles.

University authorities did not immediately respond to queries regarding the incident. Students said the situation on campus remained tense following the overnight clashes.

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