New Delhi: From Union Law minister to Earth Sciences minister, it is a ‘demotion’ for all practical purposes.
But even if Kiren Rijiju is upset about his comparatively low-profile new appointment, he is not showing it.
Rijiju said on Friday that his shift from the Law ministry to a new department is not a punishment, but a plan of the government.
“This shifting is not a punishment, this is the plan of the government. This is the vision of PM Modi,” Rijiju said after taking charge of the Ministry of Earth.
Asked about his run-ins with the judiciary since becoming Union Law minister on July 7, Rijiju said this was “not the day to talk politics.”
Rijiju has been at the centre of disagreement with the judges. He has made several controversial statements against them like saying that some among them were also part of the ‘anti-India’ gang.
The Union government and Supreme Court have not been on the same page on the issue of judges’ appointment, often leading to an exchange of words.
The row escalated when Rijiju said that the collegium system of judges appointing judges to higher courts was ‘alien’ to the Constitution. He also wrote to Chief Justice DY Chandrachud for the inclusion of government nominees in the collegium system.
In March, Rijiju’s his comment that “retired activist judges are trying to make the judiciary play the role of an opposition party” triggered a backlash.
Rijiju today said that questions about his stint as Law minister are no longer relevant.
“Please don’t ask question related to my previous ministry… those questions are not relevant now. I will continue to work responsibly as the PM keeps giving me new responsiblities,” Rijiju said.
