The performances of the heads of our public institutions vary widely. It is more like seasonal variations of weather, but we rarely get good seasons. We may cite examples from CJI D.Y. Chandrachud and ECI T.N. Seshan. Their work speaks for them. The question is, “Why not others?”

How did such a swing for the good happen? It is due to the style, characteristics, and abilities of the individuals concerned and not to any drastic change in the circumstances. We rarely see heads with moral courage and conviction to uphold what is right without fear. 

Even if we leave out the few individuals with high ethics and abilities, the variation in others extends from one end of the spectrum to the other. We can see an infinite variety of views, stands, and decisions on the same subject within sections, departments, and institutions.

The interpretation varies with each state, court, and judge, even when they are bound by the same rules and constitution. How do we know who is right? Can we not reduce, if not eliminate, the wide gaps in interpretations and perspectives to avoid disputes and errors?

If the courts cannot address this in what comes under their administrative control, the standards are not so essential for others because they think that it is impossible. So it is free for all. They have a right to commit errors, as humans are error-prone. These are errors of judgement. So the courts have more than equal rights.

It looks as if everyone is living on a planet of their own with an independent constitution. Some are living on Mars, the Moon, and Heaven, while a few are floating in satellites. People are also not scared, as they know the art of survival against all odds or even in hell.

Every branch of government has an equal responsibility to uphold the Constitution. The protectors of the Constitution should work on standardising interpretations and the application of rules. It may be a layman’s view. But everyone appears to be a layman except the Supreme Court.

We cannot call ourselves a nascent democracy with teething troubles after 75 years of independence. We could achieve excellence in some areas. We could produce talent to send satellites to the moon and space. But still, why is our performance in many areas so abysmally poor? 

There are many factors and dimensions that have contributed to the quality dilutions. It has to be presented in detail with several questions and doubts that may come up in one’s mind and the probable reasons and causes for our country performing far below its potential.