As judgements go, India’s Supreme Court has been revealing its puissance in a series of judgements across the spectrum that are ensuring the country’s Constitution enjoys robust health. The latest ruling, in response to a public interest petition that sought disqualification of legislators who had criminal charges against them, follows in the wake of last year’s edict that disqualified members of parliament who have been convicted from maintaining public office. The two rulings set the blueprint for how India’s polity can be cleansed of its most noxious aspect — criminalisation. This is not to say the purpose of governance has been redefined. It has only been reiterated, given India’s turgid state of corruption in governance over the past decade. But the big question is: will this ruling inspire Modi to act in the best interests of the country by tackling the infestation of tainted ministers in his government? Will he overcome his recently acquired pauciloquence to take a stand on the ruling? At last count, more than 30 per cent of his ministers have criminal charges against them.
In appealing to the prime minister as a trustee of the Indian Constitution to act in the right manner, the Supreme Court has set up the ultimate morality test for Modi, a test that had been expunged from the Indian political curricula. It remains to be seen what Modi does. Will he reinstate the test, make his own notes and come out with flying colours or will he dig up old homework that says a minister is innocent till he is proved guilty?
