High & Mighty - 10 Officials - Power Wielders

BUREAUCRACY IS THE SOCIAL INSTRUMENT that bridges the gap between legislative purpose and its accomplishment. It is primarily the political executive and the legislature that play the authoritative role in policymaking

- M.G. Arun, Kaushik Deka, Amarnath K. Menon, Anilesh S. Mahajan and Pradip R. Sagar

The judiciary ensures that the balance is maintained and the constitutional principles and the law are upheld. However, the bureaucracy, as the permanent executive, is an equally crucial cog in the policy wheel. It brings to the table the expertise and infrastructure that can help develop and execute the will of those who set policy.

That may be their primary brief, but it is also their prerogative as the government's agents to bring the advantages of law to society. Their control over policy implementation is crucial, extending from the virtual revocation of some legislation to the limited discretion involved in governing a comprehensive statute. In the highest echelons, therefore, the bureaucrat's role goes beyond offering information, suggestion or analysis.

They are pledged to tweak policy too, if required, in response to societal needs. A larger and wider perspective, garnered and honed over the years, enables them to make the policy changes more people-centric, while keeping in mind national goals.

Given the fact that government business has expanded and is becoming increasingly more technical and complex by the day, no one man or office can be expected to handle everything. Other pillars of democracy, particularly the judiciary, have to lend a hand too, to ensure that the fundamental rights of the citizenry are protected without compromisin the country's growth.

1 D.Y. CHANDRACHUD, 63
CHIEF JUSTICE OF INDIA

JUDGE SUPREME