Blitz Bureau
HIGHLIGHTING the indispensable role of fraternity or the sense of unity and brotherhood envisioned in the Constitution of India, Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra of the Supreme Court said that in today’s socio-political environment, divisive rhetoric based on religion, caste or ethnicity, growing economic inequality, and social injustices are major threats to this spirit of brotherhood. The rise of disinformation on social media adds to such challenges., he added.
He was speaking at the inaugural session of the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad’s National Council Meeting in Gujarat recently. Justice Mishra spoke on the philosophical, historical and jurisprudential dimensions of fraternity, while highlighting the challenges in upholding this constitutional principle.
He added that divisive rhetoric creates mistrust among communities, thereby undermining fraternity and leading to the spread of stereotypes and misunderstandings that can escalate into social unrest. Justice Mishra also commented on economic inequality in India, while referring to Oxfam’s report, “Survival of the Richest”, which revealed a stark disparity in wealth among the Indian populace.
This economic divide is not only a financial issue but also a social one, as it leads to unequal access to education, healthcare, and basic resources, he said. He suggested that these inequalities can be reduced through inclusive policies, fair resource distribution and by adhering to the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) laid down in the Constitution of India. The judge also commented on the judiciary’s role in preserving fraternity, which includes making justice more accessible for all.
