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Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Despite its flaws, the Collegium system preserves judicial independence,' says SC judge Justice Surya Kant
Strongly defending the collegium system of judicial appointments, Supreme Court judge Justice Surya Kant said on Saturday that, 'despite its imperfections, it serves as a crucial institutional safeguard … preserving the Judiciary's autonomy.' Speaking at Seattle University on the topic 'The Quiet Sentinel: Courts, Democracy, and the Dialogue Across Borders,' Justice Kant noted that the collegium 'significantly limits interference by the Executive and Legislature, thereby preserving the Judiciary's autonomy and insulating judges from extraneous pressures that could otherwise compromise their impartiality.' He acknowledged that the system 'has been subject to sustained criticism—particularly regarding the opacity of its deliberative processes and the lack of publicly articulated criteria—but recent efforts by the Supreme Court signal a growing commitment to enhancing transparency and public confidence in it.' Referring to proactive judicial interventions that advance constitutional compassion, he asked in his June 4 address, 'How far can courts go in shaping policy?' and 'Is judicial creativity a virtue or a vice?' 'The answer, I believe, lies in intent and integrity. When courts act to empower the powerless, grounded in constitutional text and moral clarity, they do not usurp democracy—they deepen it,' he said. Justice Kant conceded that the judiciary 'has not remained impervious to criticism that at times it breaches the fine line between judicial activism and judicial overreach' and added that 'in recent years, there has been a discernible shift toward greater institutional self-restraint in select domains. The Court has increasingly sought to nudge rather than command, and to engage with other branches of government in efforts to increase dialogic remedies. This evolving balance reflects an awareness that judicial authority is most enduring when it is exercised with a sense of humility—when the Court is seen not as an omnipotent arbiter but as a co-traveller in the democratic journey, grounded in constitutional values.' He described the judiciary as 'the sentinel of constitutional morality' and said it 'has been instrumental in shaping this very democracy's moral spine.' Recalling past challenges, Justice Kant observed that 'the Indian judiciary, too, traversed periods of profound trial and transformation. Particularly during the Emergency, the Court grappled with serious challenges to its independence and, at times, exhibited troubling deference to executive power. Yet, this phase of institutional strain gave way to a renewed judicial consciousness.' He added that 'the judiciary's evolving relationship with its own independence lies at the very heart of how India's vast, pluralistic democracy continues to function with remarkable cohesion. It is not merely the existence of judicial independence that is noteworthy, but rather the degree and contours of that independence—how it is asserted, negotiated, and exercised—that renders the Indian experience particularly distinctive within the global constitutional landscape.' On the role of courts in a democracy, he said, 'constitutional democracy is … a system where majorities are checked, where minorities are protected, and where principles cannot be sacrificed at the altar of popularity,' and 'in such a system, courts cannot function as mere referees.' He stressed, 'in a democracy as vast and diverse as India's, it is only when the judiciary wears its power lightly, and its conscience visibly, that it can remain not only the last word, but also a trusted voice among many in our collective democratic journey.' 'Judiciary may not be the most visible arm of the state, it may not command battalions or shape budgets, but it performs a task more difficult: it keeps alive the promise of justice. In India, this task has often been thankless, occasionally triumphant, and always essential. The judiciary is not a saviour; it is a sentinel. It does not march. It watches. And when necessary, it speaks—not to please, but to preserve.' Earlier, during a visit to the Washington State Supreme Court's Temple of Justice in Olympia on June 3, Justice Kant highlighted the SC's defence of free speech rights, noting that 'pre-censorship and vague notions of public order cannot trump the right to free expression,' and adding, 'these are not merely legal precedents; they are constitutional declarations—that democracy without dissent is a contradiction, and that silence in the face of injustice is not neutrality, but complicity.' Drawing parallels between the Indian and American judiciaries, he said, 'in both countries, the Judiciary has consistently pushed back against the temptation to suppress dissent under misguided and deceptive notions that the Executive may hold … Both our systems were designed not to trust power blindly, but to restrain it.' At a fireside chat at Microsoft Corporation headquarters on June 6, Justice Kant touched on the rise of technology such as artificial intelligence in the judicial process. He said he was 'firmly convinced that any contemplation of AI must be guided by a deep moral compass. Shaping the future demands more than innovation—it calls for an unwavering adherence to foundational values. Transparency, equity, responsibility, and respect for human dignity must not be afterthoughts, but the pillars upon which all technological advancement rests.' He warned that 'technology, if left unchecked, can reflect and reinforce societal inequities. AI is not a perfect technology and it can perhaps never replace the human element that the entire Rawlsian theory of justice hinges on,' and added, 'technology must remain subordinate to our higher commitments to fairness, equity, and human dignity' and 'must adapt to the lived realities of the people it seeks to serve.' Ananthakrishnan G. is a Senior Assistant Editor with The Indian Express. He has been in the field for over 23 years, kicking off his journalism career as a freelancer in the late nineties with bylines in The Hindu. A graduate in law, he practised in the District judiciary in Kerala for about two years before switching to journalism. His first permanent assignment was with The Press Trust of India in Delhi where he was assigned to cover the lower courts and various commissions of inquiry. He reported from the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court of India during his first stint with The Indian Express in 2005-2006. Currently, in his second stint with The Indian Express, he reports from the Supreme Court and writes on topics related to law and the administration of justice. Legal reporting is his forte though he has extensive experience in political and community reporting too, having spent a decade as Kerala state correspondent, The Times of India and The Telegraph. He is a stickler for facts and has several impactful stories to his credit. ... Read More
Sky News AU
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Donald Trump ‘waffling' on Russia-Ukraine policy
Seattle University Associate Professor of American Politics Dr Patrick Schoettmer has said US President Donald Trump has shown he is "waffling" on his Russia-Ukraine policy. "Trump himself just wants a deal more than anything else, although over the past year or two, we've seen the Republican base become much more anti-Ukraine," Mr Schoettmer said. Mr Schoettmer has said the conflict is not one of Trump's "priorities" as it is not one that America can "profit from." During his election campaign, the US President declared he would end the Russia-Ukraine war on 'day one', a promise he was unable to follow through with.
Miami Herald
10-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
One wild fact about Costco's return policy
Costco is legendary for a few things: the $1.50 hot dog meal, the $5 rotisserie chicken, and the cheapest gas in town. Costco is also acclaimed for its commitment to customer service, which may explain why the company added around 5 million new members during 2023-2024, bringing the total membership to more than 78 million, according to its fiscal Q2 2025 earnings call in March. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Costco has been on a growth streak. The company plans to open 29 new locations in 2025 (including 3 relocations), with a focus on Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Asia. One reason the company is growing is undoubtedly because it lives by a code of ethics that involves "Obeying the law, taking care of members, taking care of employees, respecting suppliers, and rewarding shareholders," said Costco CEO Ron Vachris at a talk he gave at Seattle University in March. "Our mission and our business is to continually provide members with quality goods and services at the lowest possible price," Vachris said. Another beloved Costco-ism? A 100% satisfaction guarantee on most items. That means most items can be returned at any time, with no time limit. Costco's return policy allows customers to bring back most items at any time. No receipt? No problem, since every purchase is tracked via members' cards. There are restrictions on certain items but they are the exception, not the rule. For example, there's a 90-day limit on electronics and major appliances (refrigerators, washers, dryers, dishwashers, etc.). And some items, like 1.0 carat or larger diamonds, require extra oversight from Costco's gemologist. But for most everyday goods, the process is simple: Bring your membership card and the item you're returning to the membership/customer service desk and get a refund instantly. More on retail and bankruptcy: Walmart store closing, auctioning off laptops and flat screen TVsHome Depot CEO sounds the alarm on a growing problemFamous restaurant files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy If you purchased your items online, return shipping is free for most items. Even crazier, Costco will come and pick up large items such as appliances and heavy furniture from your location. For free. The ask-no-questions approach has paid off for Costco, which is now the world's third-largest retailer. Fans of the store say the policies foster long-term loyalty. Related: Costco quietly makes huge change that will save you money As @costcopanda put it on Reddit: "Accepting any and all returns (with limited exceptions) opens the door very wide to product feedback. We're basically paying for reviews with every return. "Too salty"? Okay, here's your $9.99, thanks. When you return an item, the clerk enters a reason (from a preset list) and a comment (whatever you say). The buying staff can then sort and filter through that data. That data is extremely valuable in a number of ways. The return policy both saves and makes us money. Abusers eventually out themselves and are handled." Most retailers have a 14-90 day window for returns. Amazon's standard return window is 30 days, and Target and Walmart's is 90 days for most items (electronics are an exception). But Costco doesn't have such limitations. This gives customers a feeling that their purchases come with a lifetime guarantee. Costco's return/refund policy even extends to the membership fee. "The most important item we sell is the membership card," Vachris told Fortune. Related: Popular appliance sold at Costco recalled for dangerous glitch Yet if you've had that Costco membership for a year and decided you don't like it, the company will refund the entire membership fee, even if you've been using your membership on a regular basis. Just don't take things too far. Costco has been rumored to cancel the memberships of people who abuse the company's policy. On the company website it says: "Costco reserves the right to limit or decline returns in cases of excessive or fraudulent return activity." Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Students at WA's private colleges would see financial aid slashed under new state budget
(Getty Images) Financial aid for low-income Washington students at private four-year colleges will be cut under the state budget plan now on Gov. Bob Ferguson's desk awaiting his signature. Students attending any of the state's nine independent colleges, such as Gonzaga University, Pacific Lutheran University, Seattle University, and Whitman College, would see state tuition assistance under the Washington College Grant and College Bound Scholarship programs cut to 50% of the average level awarded to students at public universities. Aid for students in online programs, such as Western Governors University-Washington and certain apprenticeship programs, would also be reduced. And students at for-profit universities and private vocational schools would no longer qualify for the assistance. Income eligibility guidelines would also change for the college grant program. For the 2024-25 academic year, students from a family of four with an income up to $78,500 would be eligible for the maximum award. That income amount is equal to 65% of the state median income. The latest budget calls for dropping the threshold for a full award to 60% of median income. These reductions would begin during the 2026-27 academic year, meaning second and first-year students, along with future students, would feel the effects. Lawmakers adopted the cuts to student aid as part of the package of spending reductions and tax increases they approved this year to solve a budget shortfall estimated to be around $16 billion over the next four fiscal years. The Washington College Grant, which lawmakers approved in 2019, is often celebrated by its supporters as one of the most generous state tuition assistance programs in the nation for low- and middle-income students. Sen. June Robinson, chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, said that the financial aid program has helped a lot of people attain higher education, but that the grant is not financially sustainable as it is now. 'Quite frankly, we just can't afford it as a state,' Robinson said. The cuts would affect students like Diego Gonzalez, a second-year student attending Seattle University, who thought he could rely on financial aid from the state college grant program to help pay for his education. 'I don't know about my future, and it really does suck because I've made such a good community here at Seattle University,' he said. Gonzalez is a first-generation, low-income college student and relies on the aid to attend college. Since the budget has passed, he said he has stayed up late applying for scholarships, worried he will no longer be able to attend college because he can't afford it. Growing up in a low-income household, Gonzalez said his family could barely afford buying school supplies. He didn't think college was obtainable because of the high costs, but receiving the state tuition assistance has allowed him to get one step closer to achieving his dream of going to law school. While tuition is higher at private colleges than public universities, they already provide low-income students with a substantial amount of financial aid using their own resources and wouldn't be able to make up for the cuts to the state grant, according to Terri Standish-Kuon, president and CEO of Independent Colleges of Washington. 'Those financial aid dollars are finite,' Standish-Kuon said. 'We will not be able to fill the cuts of this magnitude.' The majority of people receiving Washington College Grant funding at the private four-year schools are students of color, women, or first-generation college students, Standish-Kuon added. Independent colleges award one in every five bachelor's and graduate degrees in the state and help give students who may be tied to a specific geographic area or who seek different learning environments, an opportunity to receive higher education, Standish-Kuon noted. Students at these colleges also graduate at higher rates than state and national averages. 'Steering students away from these schools is materially harmful,' Standish-Kuon said. The Independent Colleges of Washington said they are urging Ferguson to veto the section of the budget legislation containing the cuts to the Washington College Grant and the College Bound Scholarship program. Gonzalez said he doesn't know what will happen with his financial aid until Ferguson signs the budget. He also said that if the program is cut, even if it is restored in the future, it will not 'reduce the damage or impact on the students.' 'It's students who kind of rely on higher education to pull themselves out of poverty, like myself, who might not have the opportunity to do that,' Gonzalez said.
Axios
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Seattle's Earth Day: Ladybug Festival and more
Earth Day is Tuesday, and Seattleites have a full lineup of ways to pitch in from pollinator parties to park cleanups. Why it matters: Local Earth Day events offer a way to channel climate anxiety into tangible action, restoring a sense of agency in a world that can feel overwhelming. Tuesday 🛝 Explore the newly renovated play area at an Earth Day celebration at Bitter Lake Community Center. 3:30–5pm. 🌿 Head to Town Hall Seattle for a panel discussion on innovation in climate equity moderated by Hannah Murphy Winter, editor of The Stranger. 7:30pm. $25. Wednesday 🫖 Join Seattle University's Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement at the Campion Tea Garden for a guided meditation walk through the campus gardens. 6pm. RSVP here. Later this week 📸 Download the iNaturalist app and help document local flora and fauna during the City Nature Challenge. Friday-Monday. 🐞 Celebrate pollinators and see ladybugs released into a garden at Ladybug Festival at Garfield Community Center. Saturday. 2–4pm. Free. And beyond 🧹 Pitch in to clean up the cuts in Montlake and Fremont on the second Saturdays of the month. 9am-12pm. Tools and gloves provided. Email [email protected] for more info.
