Blitz Bureau
CHIEF Justice of India Justice BR Gavai has attributed the country’s stability, unity, and strength during various crises to the Indian Constitution. “Whenever there has been a crisis in the country, it has remained united and strong. The credit for this should be given to the Constitution,” he said.
Speaking during a function at the Allahabad High Court to mark the inauguration of a multi-storey complex housing 2,500 chambers for lawyers and a multi-level parking facility on May 31, the CJI observed that the Constitution of India will ensure that the country remains united.
The event was attended Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Supreme Court judges, Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, senior state bureaucrats among others. The CJI said the Constitution, drafted by BR Ambedkar, played a significant role in India’s development and growth journey.
“When the Constitution was being made and its final draft was presented before the Constituent Assembly, at that time, some people used to say that the Constitution is too federal while some used to say that it is too unitary.
Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar had replied that the Constitution was neither wholly federal nor wholly unitary. But one thing I can tell you is that we have given a Constitution which will keep India united and strong both in times of peace and war,” said the CJI. Reflecting on the 75-year journey of the Constitution, Justice Gavai noted that the legislature, executive, and judiciary had significantly contributed to achieving social and economic equality.
Stressing the need to ensure justice for even the most marginalised, he said, “It is our fundamental duty to reach out to the last citizen who needs justice. Be it the legislature, the executive or the judiciary, everyone should reach out to that citizen.”
Referring to the era of land reforms, Justice Gavai recalled how laws were brought under which land was taken from landlords and given to landless individuals.
“These laws were challenged from time to time. Before 1973, the Supreme Court’s view was that if there is a conflict between the Directive Principles and the Fundamental Rights, then the Fundamental Rights will prevail,” he said.
