SC interventions changed the course of Indian history. Deprivation of liberty even for a single day is one too many. We must always be mindful of the deeper systemic implications of our decision, "Justice Chandra said while speaking at the Indo US Joint Summer Conference on legal ties. He referred to orders by the Supreme Court to protect the rights of the poor and marginalised sections during the pandemic and how the SC's intervention led to change in vaccination policy of the Centre. "The role of SC and its in volvement in aspects affecting daily lives of  the population can't be understated. While being actutely aware of this responsibility, the judges of the Supreme Court are careful to maintaining the separation of powers. Many of its interventions have changed the course of Indian history be it in protecting civil and political liberties whichcast a negative obligation on the state or in directing the state to implement socio-economic rights as afirmative obligations under Constitution, "he said. "While some have termed these interventions of  the Indian Supreme Court as 'judicial activism' or 'judicial overreach' the court plays the role of a counter-majoritarian institution, he said countering the charge. "It is the court's duty to protect the rights of socio-economic minorities. As the guardian of the Constitution, it has t o put a brake where executive or legislative actions infringe on fundamentals human rights", Justice Chandra said. "The courts' approach of questioning the rationale of the policy decisions of the government helped in grounding the dialogue between the government and the court regarding the existence of the policy with the constitutional framework, he noted in the case of vacine policy. The Centre thereafter revised its policy, bearing responsibility of procuring 75% of the vaccines and administering them free ofcost to persons above the age of 18 years, while also capping the price that could be charged for the remainder 25% of vaccine, he said. He is required to seek a vote of confidence from the House of Representatives within 30 days.
