Constitution is supreme: Chidambaram counters Vice President Dhankhar

New Delhi, Jan 12: Veteran Congressman P Chidambaram, a former Union Finance Minister, challenged Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s assertion On Thursday that ‘parliament is supreme.’
The declaration by the Congress leader comes in response to Dhankar’s comments on Wednesday that the right of parliament to modify the Constitution is not subject to any other authority but rather the ‘lifeline’ of democracy.
The Vice President delivered the comments in Jaipur during the 83rd All India Presiding Officers Conference.

“The Hon’ble Chairman of the Rajya Sabha is wrong when he says that Parliament is supreme. It is the Constitution that is supreme. The ‘basic structure’ doctrine was evolved in order to prevent a majoritarian-driven assault on the foundational principles of the Constitution,” Chidambaram tweeted.
“The essence of democracy lies in the prevalence of the mandate of the people and securing their welfare. The power of the Parliament to amend the Constitution and deal with legislation is not subject to any other authority. This is the lifeline of a democracy. I am sure this will engage your thoughtful consideration,” the Vice President said.
Chidambaram contended that nothing barred the government from presenting a new Bill after the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act was overturned.