The new Chief Justice

The appointment of T.S. Thakur as Chief Justice of India has raised high hopes. Chief Justice Thakur has emphasized the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law. This is in an atmosphere of growing intolerance in the country. Even if one institution fails, other institutions and a system of checks and balances should provide protection of the rights of citizens. The increasing encroachment on the rights of the judiciary is aiding and abetting acts of intolerance. India is a society of diverse religious faiths and only mutual respect can foster unity of the nation. Justice Thakur has guaranteed constitutional rights not merely for citizens but also for non- citizens. Admittedly the statements of the Chief Justice do not ensure the elimination of intolerance. But it goes a long way at a time when rationalists are murdered, a man was lynched at Dadri supposedly for eating beef and people in high position spew communal hatred. Even the top political leaders at the Centre have not removed the sense of insecurity among common people. The debate in Parliament on intolerance petered out into a trading of allegations among different political parties. Justice T.S. Thakur has now created some confidence. Justice Thakur has also said that all is not well in Delhi and asked for steps to be taken to control air pollution in the city. He has offered to go for car pooling himself with a colleague living near his residence which will cut carbon emission. He has to be congratulated for making this noble gesture.