Archive · 3 Jan 2026
Book Review: Ashwani Kumar's Essays on Democracy and Justice
Ashwani Kumar, a former Congressman, has written a book called 'Guardians of the Republic'.
In this book, he talks about important things like how the judiciary and democracy work in India.
He says that democracy is not just about the majority but also about protecting human rights.
He also talks about how the judiciary should not have all the power to protect liberties.
Kumar is very concerned about torture and thinks India should do more to stop it.
He praises the Supreme Court for some decisions but criticizes it for others, like the case of Professor G.N. Saibaba.
Overall, the book shows that Kumar is a brave and thoughtful person who speaks out against injustices in the system.
Ashwani Kumar's book 'Guardians of the Republic' discusses judiciary, democracy, and human rights in India.
Kumar argues that democracy is about protecting human rights, not just majority rule.
He criticizes the judiciary for assuming sole responsibility for preserving liberties.
Kumar advocates for India to ratify the UN Convention Against Torture and commends court decisions against custodial torture.
He criticizes the Supreme Court's decision in the G.N. Saibaba case as 'worrisome and wholly unconscionable'.
- Who
- Ashwani Kumar, former Congressman and Minister of Law and Justice
- What
- A book review of 'Guardians of the Republic: Essays on the Constitution, Justice and the Future of Indian Democracy'
- When
- The book includes articles and lectures from various years, with specific references to 2019 and 2025
- Where
- India, with references to the judiciary and political system
- Why
- To highlight Kumar's perspectives on judiciary, democracy, and human rights
- Author
- Ashwani Kumar
- Publisher
- Om Books International
- Pages
- 255
- Price
- Rs 595
- Key Topics
- Judicial Review, Human Rights, Torture, Democracy