N. Ram: Basic Structure Doctrine Stands in Way of RSS's Hindu Rashtra Goal

In a lecture on Monday, N. Ram, Director of The Hindu Group Publishing Private Limited, said that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP-led Union government are targeting the basic structure of the Constitution because it obstructs their vision of a Hindu Rashtra. The lecture, titled 'Unmaking the Republic: How Hindutva authoritarianism is dismantling the basic structure of Indian Constitution', was delivered in memory of filmmaker and writer Chinta Ravindran.

Mr. Ram explained that the basic structure doctrine, established by the Supreme Court, is not a fixed code but a judicially administered standard. Its effectiveness depends on the judiciary's independence and ability to resist executive pressure, particularly from what he described as Hindutva authoritarianism. He stated that the RSS has long viewed the Constitution as unsuitable for a Hindu-majoritarian country and that the basic structure doctrine is a key obstacle to achieving a Hindu Rashtra.

'It is an open secret that the RSS has long regarded the Constitution unsuitable for a Hindu majoritarian country. So, the basic structure stands in the way of what the RSS wants to achieve [a Hindu Rashtra],' Mr. Ram said. He noted that the RSS and its affiliates have targeted the doctrine through constitutional amendments, citing changes in Jammu and Kashmir as an example.

Mr. Ram expressed concern that erosion of constitutional values, such as those enumerated in the Preamble, would lead to the 'unmaking of the Republic'. He argued that this dismantling is occurring in stages, not all at once, and warned that if unchecked, the Republic established in 1950 could become history. He also noted that the RSS has expanded its influence through a network of over 2,500 organisations, as identified in a study by academic Felix Pal of the University of Western Australia.

Regarding the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protests, Mr. Ram described them as a reflection of widespread grievances and loss of hope. He criticised the government for not engaging with protesters and condemned the police's use of force, including pellet guns, against non-violent demonstrators. He called on democratic and progressive parties to support the movement without co-opting it, suggesting that the student and youth movement could teach the Modi government a lesson.

The event also featured the presentation of the Chinta Ravindran Memorial Award to actress Bhavana, received by her brother Jayadevan. In a video message, Bhavana expressed gratitude for the award during a challenging period.