Guwahati, Apr 21: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said the Congress party questions the credibility of the judiciary whenever court rulings go against its interests. His remarks came in response to the controversy surrounding BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s recent statements targeting the Supreme Court and Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna.

Sarma, in a post on X, said, “Respecting the judiciary shouldn’t be contingent upon the favourability of its decisions. Selective approbation erodes public trust and the foundational principles of our democracy.”

The Chief Minister cited past instances where, he claimed, the Congress had criticised judges and court decisions. These included the impeachment motion against former Chief Justice Dipak Misra, and criticism of Justice Ranjan Gogoi following key verdicts such as the Ayodhya judgment. He also mentioned Justice Arun Mishra and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, who, according to Sarma, faced political attacks over their rulings.

Referring to the appointment of Justice S Abdul Nazeer as Andhra Pradesh Governor after his retirement, Sarma said the Congress had raised questions despite similar appointments being made in the past.

Sarma also clarified that the BJP does not endorse Dubey’s remarks. “Adarniya Nadda Ji emphasised that these were personal opinions and not reflective of the party’s stance, reiterating the BJP’s deep respect for judicial institutions,” he said.

The row began after BJP MP Nishikant Dubey alleged that the Supreme Court was “inciting religious wars” and held Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna responsible for civil unrest in the country. He also criticised the judiciary’s role in lawmaking, citing past judgments on homosexuality and religious issues.

Congress strongly condemned Dubey’s comments, accusing the BJP of attacking judicial independence.