Chapter 26: Open Challenge to the supreme court
The days that followed the Supreme Court decision were heavy with tension. The refusal to greenlight thirteen of the proposed Greenfield cities had stirred a storm in political, legal, and public circles. Prime Minister Animesh, known for his composure and statesmanship, found himself at a crossroads. The judiciary's decision, though respected, was a blockade to his vision of a modern, progressive India.
When news channels broke the story of Animesh's frustration behind closed doors, the country waited with bated breath to see how he would respond. The nation's leader, hailed for his transformative reforms and unyielding dedication, was about to make a move that would shake the foundations of Indian democracy.
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20-12-1996
An emergency cabinet meeting was called the next evening in the imposing halls of the Prime Minister's Office. With a sense of foreboding, the senior ministers stepped into the hall, with the knowledge that Animesh was prepared to take bold action.
As the session began, Animesh rose at the head of the table, his eyes scanning through the room. His calm measured self was replaced with stern intensity.
Ladies and gentlemen," he started, his voice steady but firm, "the Supreme Court's decision is a challenge not just to this government but to the very spirit of progress and democracy. We are elected by the people to deliver change, and this project is the cornerstone of that change."
The ministers nodded, but a few exchanged wary glances.
Are we to let our vision for India's future be stalled by procedural delays and overly cautious judgments?" Animesh asked, his voice rising. "The judiciary has its role, and I respect that. But governance is our mandate. If the court cannot see the urgency of this matter, then we, as the elected representatives of the people, must act."
Finance Minister Sharma was taken aback before speaking. "Are you suggesting that we bypass the judiciary?" he asked Animesh.
"I am suggesting," he replied, "that we remind the judiciary that Parliament is supreme in a democracy. If the court does not approve the full project, we will take this matter into our own hands. We will legislate, amend laws if necessary, and ensure that the will of the people prevails."
There was a murmur in the room. Ministers such as Urban Development Minister Kapoor were buoyed by Animesh's spirit. Others, such as Law Minister Tripathi, seemed uncomfortable.
"This can lead to a constitutional crisis for sure, Mr. Prime Minister," said Tripathi. "Opposition will pounce upon it. We will be called the anti-democratic elements of society.
Animesh's gaze was unwavering. "And what of the crisis our people face every day? Unemployment, underdevelopment, despair—are those not crises too? If we fail to act, we fail the very democracy we are sworn to uphold."
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That evening, Animesh addressed the nation in a televised broadcast. Seated behind his desk, flanked by the national flag, he spoke with a calm yet resolute tone that masked the storm brewing within.
Fellow citizens," he began, "in recent days, the Supreme Court has delivered a decision on the Greenfield city project—a decision that, while respected, does not align with the aspirations of millions of Indians who look to us for hope and opportunity."
He leaned forward, his hands clasped on the desk.
This project is not about building cities; it's about building a future. A future where every Indian, where they are born, would have access to jobs, education, healthcare, and dignity. However, here we are, bounded by judgments which seem to take caution ahead of progress.
Animesh's voice grew stronger. "Let me be clear: I have the utmost respect for the judiciary. But as your Prime Minister, my duty is to the people of India. And if the courts cannot see the urgency of this matter, then I will take this issue to Parliament, where the representatives of the people will decide."
The declaration sent shockwaves across the country. News channels buzzed with heated debates. Some hailed Animesh as a leader willing to take bold steps for the nation's progress. Others accused him of overreach and warned of a constitutional crisis.
The streets erupted in response to Animesh's announcement. In urban centers, thousands marched in support of the Prime Minister's vision, holding banners that read "Development Cannot Wait" and "Greenfield Cities for a Brighter Future." Rural areas, however, saw mixed reactions. While many supported the job opportunities the cities promised, others feared displacement and cultural erosion.
The opposition parties seized the moment to attack Animesh, accusing him of authoritarian tendencies. "The Prime Minister is undermining the Constitution," one opposition leader declared in a fiery speech. "This is not governance; this is a dictatorship!"
But Animesh remained stable and didn't care.
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The Supreme Court did not forget Animesh's public statement, and soon the matter was back in the courtroom. Senior advocates argued that the Prime Minister's comments were an affront to the judiciary's independence.
Animesh's legal team defended his position by stating that the government had the right to legislate on matters of national importance. The courtroom was tense as legal heavyweights clashed over constitutional boundaries.
The Chief Justice spoke to the elephant in the room. "This court is aware of the need for development but cannot compromise on the principles of justice and fairness. The statement made by Prime Minister Animesh raises questions about the balance of power between the executive and the judiciary. This court wants clarification: is the government willing to circumvent judicial scrutiny on this issue?"
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21-12-1996
Animesh paced in his office, frustration palpable on his face. Mahesh and a few senior ministers were there, and their faces reflected the seriousness of the situation.
"They think I am trying to undermine democracy," Animesh said, his voice heavy with disbelief. "But what they fail to see is that I am trying to save it. If we don't act now, when will we? Ten years? Twenty?
Mahesh tried to calm him. "The Prime Minister, the judiciary is cautious, but that's their role. Our job is to find a way forward without alienating them or the public."
"And how do we do that?" Animesh snapped, his frustration boiling over. "By sitting on our hands while the country suffers?
Mahesh paused for a moment before responding. "By demonstrating that our vision is not antithetical to the Constitution. Perhaps it is the right time to generate public support in a manner that the judiciary cannot ignore either."
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That evening, Animesh made another decision. He ordered his team to pen a bill that would place the Greenfield city project under legislation. The bill would assuage the concerns of the judiciary while reasserting Parliament's right to act in the interest of the nation.
He also kick-started a national level awareness campaign on the various benefits of the project-the employment generation and environmental sustainability-to the people.
Animesh knew things were going to get even tougher from now on but was not deterred. He told his team, "This is not about the cities alone. It's proving that democracy works—not to play it safe, but boldly and decisively."
And Animesh, know in India, if the government approved then judiciary will definitely medle in the buisness, and if the judiciary did, the project is never gonna to complete and this has led india to underdeveloped for a long time. And because of this he wanted to remove this kind of rule.
And a month he had passed the law of PESA, so he doesn't have to care about it.
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