The real crisis isn’t corruption alone; it’s the slow erosion of independence. Judges themselves are sounding the alarm. Justice Deepak Gupta, Justice Madan Lokur, even sitting judges like Ujjal Bhuyan; each pointing to interference, compromised appointments, and a drift toward majoritarianism. And while TV debates rage over 'Mian Rahul' or 'bulldozer baba', the silence on judicial rot is deafening. Why? Because when courts stop protecting fundamental rights, democracy doesn’t collapse; it just fades quietly. The scariest part? It’s not criminals or clowns doing this. It’s those meant to guard the system. If even judges are afraid to speak, who’s left to save justice?