Amid a growing debate over the judiciary's role in India's democratic setup, Supreme Court Justice B R Gavai on Monday addressed criticism of alleged judicial overreach. During a hearing unrelated to the controversy- regarding regulation of sexually explicit content on OTT platforms- Justice Gavai remarked that the judiciary is often accused of “encroaching” upon the roles of Parliament and the executive.

His comments follow remarks by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, who have both criticized the Supreme Court for functioning like a “super Parliament.” Dhankhar voiced concern over judges making decisions he believes fall under the legislature's purview, questioning the judiciary's lack of accountability.

Justice Gavai emphasized that regulatory decisions, such as controlling OTT content, are best left to the Union government. The episode has reignited debates over the separation of powers and the evolving balance between India’s constitutional institutions.