It’s upon the majesty of the judiciary to pinpoint the policy excesses, misses and mishits of the executive. It would be a travesty of natural justice for calling and referring to it as judicial activism with a mighty executive immune to remorse and response.
The second wave of Covid-19 was fatal, leading to more casualties than recoveries as for lack of medical resources and supplies with an inept centre taking a back corner with folded hands, leaving the ball in the court of the states.
Answerable and accountable to their constituents, they were forced to take a position elucidating their helplessness in arranging, organizing and mobilizing aid and assistance for their population. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot stressed cooperative federalism asking the centre to fulfil its promises and obligations.
How otherwise could the states have borne the burden right from oxygen availability to vaccination? Was it practically possible? Through his address and monologues, Narendra Modi consciously calmed the despair and desperation of the common and ordinary jumping only after being snubbed by the Supreme Court.
Though they took charge of universally vaccinating each and every social category, it was too late with states exploring alternatives. Why is everything an electoral enterprise for the Bharatiya Janata Party from formulation to legislation? I ask, has any of their policies from a Swachh Bharat Mission to demonetization were of any benefit to us? Despite its shortcomings, why it was highly and hugely ranked, rated and featured?
What separates these seven years from the seventy years of Congress’ rule? Narendra Modi has always been up for face-saving when his policies are faltering and failing. Secondly, the opinions of constitutional authorities and bodies are at their best for battling contrary public opinions and ideas.
Awakening at the last hour by directing the National Disaster Management Authority to frame guidelines for granting relief and compensation to Covid victims isn’t a well thought out plan. At least set up a committee at the earliest as you do with select parliamentary standing committees. Don’t further justice by unnecessarily denying it.