Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar today criticized “a person holding a constitutional position” for allegedly attempting to undermine the Indian economy. His remarks were perceived as being directed at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, following Gandhi’s comments on the recent report by US short-seller Hindenburg Research. The report, which targeted India’s market regulator chief Madhabi Puri Buch, has been dismissed by SEBI, the Adani Group, and prominent economists in the country.

Speaking to law students at the National Law University (NLU) on Friday, Mr. Dhankhar expressed deep concern over what he described as a narrative designed to damage India’s economy.

“I became extremely concerned when someone in a constitutional role, just last week, publicly urged the Supreme Court to suo-motu (on its own) take jurisdiction to fuel a narrative aimed at destroying our economy,” the Vice President said.

He emphasized that the youth must counteract forces that prioritize partisan and self-interest over the nation’s well-being. “We cannot allow this to happen, as it comes at the expense of our progress,” he added.

Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, had previously called for the Supreme Court’s intervention in response to the Hindenburg report.

Mr. Dhankhar also urged students to consider whether the highest courts in other countries ever exercise “suo-motu cognisance.”

“Jurisdiction of institutions is defined by the Indian Constitution, whether it be the legislature, executive, or judiciary. The courts’ jurisdiction is established. Look globally—at the Supreme Court in the US, the highest court in the UK, or other systems. Have they ever taken suo-motu cognisance even once? Has a remedy been created beyond what the Constitution provides?” the Vice President asked.

The Hindenburg report had earlier been rejected by SEBI chairman and the Adani Group as “baseless” and “malicious.” Ms. Buch had also noted that the report was released after SEBI had already initiated action against them in July.