PANAJI: Former Allahabad High Court Chief Justice and ‘Enough is Enough’ convenor Justice Ferdino Rebello has raised concerns over the functioning of constitutional institutions, stressing the need to protect the core values and philosophy of the Constitution.
Speaking during a special podcast with LOCAL channel, Rebello said the Supreme Court must interpret constitutional provisions in a way that upholds constitutional morality, public interest and the rule of law. He also acknowledged that the apex court “has failed us sometimes”.
Rebello particularly questioned the interpretation and implementation of the Tenth Schedule, arguing that constitutional principles should not be diluted while dealing with cases of political defections.
He suggested that one way to address defections would be to reconsider the separation between legislative parties and the political parties under whose banners elected representatives contest elections.
The former Chief Justice also expressed concerns over the functioning of the Election Commission, stressing that constitutional authorities must be held to the highest standards of accountability.
“If what’s on record is true and what both Election Commissioners are stating is factual, the Chief Election Commissioner has failed the Constitution and he has no business to be on that post anymore,” Rebello said.
He said constitutional institutions must function independently and responsibly while maintaining public confidence and remaining firmly guided by the Constitution and the rule of law.
