Amit Shah bats for institutional balance, says judiciary key to India’s democratic strength

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that the roots of India’s democracy have grown stronger over the past 76 years due to the collective contribution of the Constitution, the judiciary and the people of the country.

Speaking at the launch of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta’s book, ‘The Bench, the Bar, and the Bizarre and the Lawful and the Awful’, in New Delhi, Shah said every constitutional change introduced through Parliament and state legislatures since Independence had been accepted by the people, reflecting the strength and maturity of Indian democracy. Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant and several other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Shah said citizens continue to have faith that the Constitution remains “alive and vigilant” whenever injustice occurs and that courts remain open to protect the rights of even the weakest individuals. He noted that the judiciary, legislature and executive together form the pillars that uphold democracy and maintain social balance.

Emphasising the importance of institutional harmony, the Home Minister said the Constitution was framed not to create confrontation among institutions, but to ensure balance, dialogue and mutual propriety. He added that the strength of democracy comes from institutional balance and respect for constitutional conventions rather than conflict.

Shah also called for coordinated efforts between the judiciary and executive to address loopholes in the justice system through a concrete and time-bound roadmap. He said preserving public faith in the justice system is essential for maintaining the orderly functioning and character of the nation.

Praising Mehta’s book, Shah said it captures the humour, satire and human aspects hidden within courtroom proceedings while preserving the seriousness and dignity of the law. He said the book offers a rare glimpse into courtroom life through anecdotes, unusual judicial incidents and reflections on the future challenges posed by artificial intelligence and modern technology to the legal system.

The Home Minister also referred to the book’s dedication to Mehta’s mother and said its release on Mother’s Day made the occasion more special. Recalling his own mother, Shah said he used to touch her feet every day and now lights a lamp before her photograph daily, adding that “in our country, every day is dedicated to mothers.”