ABP Ideas Of India: Senior advocate and former solicitor general Harish Salve Saturday said democracy is alive and thriving in India given how the events have been unfolding.
He gave an instance of the recent elections in Punjab where none of the existing parties have been able to make it through and were removed by a new one.
"I see India as a great country at 100. What we need to do is to have an atmosphere of governance in which there is a greater friendship between those who create wealth and those who regulate wealth. If this happens, we will be great at 100," Salve said to Shankkar Aiyer, who was chairing a session on ‘Judiciary and Executive: Agenda for Governance’ during the ABP Idea of India Summit in Mumbai on Saturday.
Salve said India should be resolving issues that are critical to its growth, and not deal with issues which are not so important. Asked if there was a need to review the Constitution, a matter being discussed at various levels, Salve said the issues to be talked about is how can the economy become $5 trillion instead of talking about the colour of the flag or appointment of judges.
He also said he questions the concept of having special courts where politicians are being heard, while a businessman goes through the tiring process. Why should not a politician face the same fate, as met by businessmen, he asked.
About the formation of courts, he said nothing has changed much. Special courts have only removed the rush around the courtrooms, while commercial ones have changed nothing, and the fast track has only got the case heard on time.
"I think there is no shortcut solution to delayed justice. A lot of things need to change," he said.
Salve said the country has been dealing with the issues where there was paralysis in decision-making. He said some hide behind the courts where a decision is to be taken, citing the 2G scam and other cases when the government “hid behind the courts”.