Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Supreme Court judge Justice JK Maheshwari has said that the Indian Constitution is not secular in a narrow sense but is religiously neutral, emphasising that it accords equal respect and protection to all faiths, reported IANS.
Speaking on the second day of the 17th National Convention of the All -India Advocates Council held in Balotra (Rajasthan), Justice Maheshwari said that while discussions were held on the inclusion of the term “secular” in the Preamble, legal experts from Rajasthan had suggested describing the Constitution as religiously neutral — a view that was subsequently accepted.
Referring to the motto “Justice: My Religion”, Justice Maheshwari said it was not merely a slogan but a living constitutional truth.
He said that under the rule of law, the Constitution is supreme for people of all religions and serves as a guiding text, comparable in its moral authority to religious scriptures such as the Gita, the Quran and the Bible.
Addressing the third session of the convention on the theme “Unity and Integrity of the Nation: Constitutional Mandate”, Justice Maheshwari stressed that the Constitution should not remain confined to courtrooms alone but must be reflected in the conduct of lawyers and citizens alike. He said that under the rule of law, the Constitution is supreme for people of all religions and serves as a guiding text, comparable in its moral authority to religious scriptures such as the Gita, the Quran and the Bible.
Describing Balotra and Jodhpur as lands known for bravery and unwavering faith, Justice Maheshwari said that constitutional values must not only be preached but also lived and practised in daily life.
