SC judge Narasimha stresses judicial independence at Singhvi-Trinity-Cambridge Scholarship Award

“Independence of judiciary is essential for Democracy. It needs to be seen how the independence of judiciary and the concept of democracy is interconnected through constitutionalism and the rule of law. They are both dependent on each other through the concept of separation of powers”, said, Hon’ble Mr. Justice P.S. Narasimha, Judge, Supreme Court of India at a distinguished public lecture which also marked the announcement of the Singhvi – Trinity – Cambridge Scholarship Award 2023 established by Dr. Abhishek Singhvi, Senior Advocate and MP, Rajya Sabha. The function was organised by the Jindal Global Law School of O.P. Jindal Global University. “The framers of the Indian Constitution envisaged the independence of the judiciary as a post-colonial democratic concept. A system which ignores either of the two concepts cannot make much progress. A key question is if democracy is only about majority rule? Political theorists, jurists and thinkers have disagreed with this basic understanding of democracy. It is understood that certain values and frameworks need to be followed in a society which confirms equal rights to all citizens. Independence of judiciary, therefore, becomes a foundational pillar for the intertwining of democracy, constitutionalism and rule of law. The rule of law, which is the bedrock of democracy, will be diluted if the independence of the judiciary is not upheld. This separation of powers is the accepted principle on which any dynamic form of government exists. If the independence of judiciary is compromised, then the concept of government itself comes under threat. Only independent judges can act as oversight over the acts of the government,” observed, Hon’ble Mr. Justice P.S. Narasimha. The Singhvi – Trinity – Cambridge Scholarship Award has been established by Dr. Abhishek Singhvi, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India and MP, Rajya Sabha at Trinity College, Cambridge. The Singhvi – Trinity – Cambridge Scholarship Award 2023 has been awarded to Mr. Jai Chander Brunner of the Jindal Global Law School. He has completed his undergraduate degree in Philosophy from the University of Chicago, after which he joined the Jindal Global Law School for the three-year LLB programme at the university. The award will enable him to pursue a Masters’ Degree Programme in Law at Trinity College, Cambridge. Speaking on the occasion Dr Singhvi said, “I am delighted to welcome you all at this confluence of knowledge and judicial independence. Democracy is not just a system of governance but a broader social commitment that values equality, fairness and justice. It is the judiciary in its independent capacity that breathes lives into these values. An independent judiciary serves as a neutral referee resolving conflicts, not based on the might of the parties but on the might of the law.” Dr Singhvi added, “An independent judiciary is the lifeblood of democracy and is essential for accountability and promotes transparency and guards our fundamental rights while upholding the principal of justice for all.” He also recalled his own experience of reading law at his alma mater and the creation of the endowment at…