In a significant development within the Indian government, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has been divested of the law and justice portfolio, according to a communique from Rashtrapati Bhavan. Arjun Ram Meghwal has been appointed as the new Minister of State with independent charge in the Ministry of Law and Justice, in addition to his existing portfolios. This change marks a notable transition in the government and has raised questions about the reasons behind the decision.
Arjun Ram Meghwal, hailing from poll-bound Rajasthan, is a prominent Scheduled Caste face of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and has previously served as a bureaucrat. Currently, he also holds the position of Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Culture. Known for his advocacy for the environment, Meghwal is often seen cycling to Parliament. With his diverse experience and political background, his appointment as the Law Minister brings a fresh perspective to the role.
The decision to replace Kiren Rijiju comes against the backdrop of his openly confrontational approach towards the judiciary. Rijiju has been vocal about his criticism of the collegium system of appointing judges, describing it as "opaque" and "alien to the Constitution." He has expressed his belief that judges cannot be appointed through judicial orders and emphasized the role of the government in the process. While Rijiju's stance has garnered attention, it remains unclear whether it directly influenced the change in his portfolio.
It is noteworthy that Supreme Court, as well as Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, have refrained from engaging in the debate sparked by Rijiju's remarks. However, speculations have arisen suggesting that transfer could be linked to the ongoing standoff between the judiciary and the executive over issues such as collegium system.
The Supreme Court recently declined to entertain a plea demanding action against Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Kiren Rijiju for their contentious remarks on the judiciary and the collegium system. The Bombay Lawyers Association (BLA) had filed an appeal alleging that Rijiju and Dhankhar had shown a lack of faith in the Constitution through their conduct and public statements against the Supreme Court and the collegium. This case highlights the ongoing confrontation between the executive and the judiciary regarding the judges' selection mechanism and the division of powers between the two.
As Arjun Ram Meghwal assumes the role of Law Minister, it remains to be seen how his appointment will shape the future of the ministry and its approach towards judicial matters. The change signifies the government's focus on bringing in a fresh perspective and addressing the ongoing debates and challenges within the judiciary. The coming months will provide further insight into the implications of this significant development and its impact on the Indian legal system.
In conclusion, the replacement of Kiren Rijiju with Arjun Ram Meghwal as the Law Minister marks an important change within the Indian government. As Meghwal takes charge, the spotlight shifts to his background and the ongoing discussions surrounding the judiciary's appointment system. The dynamics of the Ministry of Law and Justice are set to undergo further transformation under the new leadership.