'Last Ray of Hope': Sanjay Raut Defends Rahul Gandhi-led SC March, Offers Apology
Sanjay Raut defends the Rahul Gandhi-led march to the Supreme Court over electoral roll revisions and offers an apology for any mistakes.
Sanjay Raut of the Shiv Sena (UBT) has reaffirmed his faith in the judiciary, describing the Supreme Court as the final destination for those seeking justice when all other institutional doors remain closed. This statement comes amidst reports that the apex court expressed dissatisfaction with a petition and the circumstances surrounding its filing regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Defending the Constitutional Recourse
Addressing the controversy, Raut emphasized that approaching the Supreme Court is a fundamental constitutional right. He argued that when bodies such as the Election Commission or the Governor fail to provide the necessary relief, citizens have no choice but to turn to the highest court in the land.
“The Supreme Court of the country is the highest constitutional institution. When all doors of justice are closed... we ultimately approach the Supreme Court and plead for justice,” Raut stated.
He further explained that the legal challenges were rooted in serious concerns over the SIR exercise, specifically highlighting the plight of citizens whose names had allegedly been deleted from the electoral rolls.
A Willingness to Apologise
Despite his firm stance on the necessity of the petition, Raut showed a conciliatory tone toward the court's authority. Acknowledging that the court might find the manner of the filing or certain remarks inappropriate, he expressed a complete lack of hesitation in seeking forgiveness.
“If the Supreme Court feels we made a mistake, it has the right to take note of it. If there is any such feeling about me, I am sorry,” he said, adding that he would apologize ten times over if necessary, provided the court continues its duty to protect democracy.
The Significance of the Rahul Gandhi March
Raut also shed light on the massive march led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi toward the Supreme Court. He clarified that the gathering of lakhs of people was not a gesture of defiance, but a plea for intervention.
According to Raut, the primary objective of the march was to signal to the judiciary that the people view the court as their "last ray of hope." He maintained that the overarching goal of their legal and public efforts is simply to secure justice for the country.
The Responsibility of the Judiciary
While offering his apologies, Raut reminded the court of its pivotal role in the Indian democratic framework. He asserted that the judiciary bears the crucial responsibility of safeguarding the Constitution and democratic institutions from failure.
Concluding his remarks, Raut reiterated that if the common citizen cannot find solace or justice in the Supreme Court, there is nowhere else left to turn in the pursuit of fairness.