A crime that shakes public conscience can’t be covered up: Dhankhar on Pahalgam attack
Referring to the Pahalgam terror attack, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Thursday said crimes that shake public consciousness cannot be covered up.
Noting that in a democracy, the rule of law is supreme and everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty, Dhankhar said heinous crimes have no cover.
Also days after he questioned the Supreme Court’s observations setting deadlines for the President to decide on Bills sent for her reference by the Governors, Dhankhar again said commentary on top constitutional offices was a matter of serious introspection.
Declaring “full respect for the judiciary”, he said all organs of the state must work in coordination.
“Comments on dignified constitutional positions like the President and Governor are matters that deserve serious reflection. The Constitution expects dialogue, deliberation and healthy debate, not confrontation,” the VP said batting for separation of powers.
The Vice President was speaking at the launch of a book titled “I Like Challenges”, authored by Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel.
Emphasising that the most formidable challenges often arise from within society, he said, “The challenge that comes from our own people — without logical basis or connection to national development — is the hardest to face. I too have been a victim of such challenges. But our philosophy teaches us that in times of crisis, we must turn to the Vedas, the Gita, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. These texts remind us of our duties and the futility of worrying about outcomes.”
Recalling the Emergency, Dhankhar said India has not forgotten that dark chapter.
“Similarly, regarding the painful incident that happened recently (read Pahalgam attack), I believe — and it is my firm conviction — that we must accept that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. In a democracy, innocence has special significance. But whatever the crime may be, it must be resolved according to the law. And if a crime shakes the public conscience, it cannot be covered up,” he said.
Dhankhar said he had been called out for being too outspoken, but “I have made it clear I like challenges and fulfilling constitutional obligations is my primary responsibility”.
The VP again expressed deep concern over comments made about constitutional positions and said, “In the Indian Constitution, two positions are considered supreme — the President of India and the Governor. These two authorities take the oath to protect, preserve and defend the Constitution. If comments are made on such dignified and constitutional positions, then according to me, it is a matter that deserves serious reflection.”
India