DEMOCRACY ON TRIAL- THE ROLE OF JUDICIARY IN INDIAN DEMOCRACY

The Indian democracy is centered around the principle of separation of powers between the Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary. The Judiciary is entrusted as the interpreter and guardian of the Constitution, working as a catalyst for democratic functioning. The blog traces the role of the Indian Judiciary in the functioning of the key features of democracy, including the enforcement of constitutional supremacy, protection of fundamental rights, preservation of electoral integrity, and promotion of substantive equality through landmark judgments. It aims to provide practical illustrations through recent developments, including the invalidation of the Electoral Bond Scheme, highlighting the nature of judicial intervention and its role in shaping India’s democratic trajectory. It critically engages with concerns surrounding judicial overreach, including the opacity of the collegium system and the evolving boundaries of judicial restraint. Maintaining a delicate balance between independence and legislative autonomy would reinforce the organ’s legitimacy as a constitutional sentinel of the country. In doing so, the blog underscores the judiciary’s role not as a dominant authority, but as an institution committed to constitutional governance and democratic accountability.