Constitution Day, also known as ‘Samvidhan Divas’, is celebrated in on November 26 every year to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution.
WEB DESK
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud today invoked Jawaharlal Nehru as he delivered speech on Constitution Day.
“The past clings on to us still in some measure and we have to do much before we redeem the pledges we have so often taken,” said the Chief Justice, quoting India’s first prime minister as he recalled his “Tryst with Destiny” speech delivered on the night of the country’s Independence.
Chief Justice Chandrachud made the comments in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju, among others, at the Supreme Court where a special event was held.
“No institution in a democracy is perfect but we work within the existing framework of the Constitution as it is interpreted and given to us” said CJI on the criticism of Collegium.
“Marginalised community were the first to lay the foundation of the Constitution,” the Chief Justice said during the event, referring to their struggle as he spoke about the pre-Independence era and post-independence times. The Chief Justice also recalled Martin Luther King, Jr’s quote that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice”.
“The representation of marginalised communities and women must be enhanced in the legal profession,” Chief Justice Chandrachud stressed while he also urged high courts “not to diamantle virtual courts facilities but rather strengthen this model”.
“Courts need to remodel themselves to reach out to people instead of people reaching out,” he underlined and also stressed on the “need for the judges to introspect and shed all prejudices against varied life experiences to be able to uphold equality, liberty and fraternity”.
Speaking on the occasion Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that India is strengthening the ideals of the constitution and the pro-people policies are empowering the poor and women of the country.
PM said that laws are being made easier and accessible for the common citizens and the Judiciary is taking many steps to ensure timely justice.
Mr. Modi reminded that, in the current global scenario, the world is looking at India with hope amidst its growing economy and international image. He referred to the first three words of the Preamble, ‘We the People’, and said, it is a call, trust, and an oath.
This spirit of the constitution is the spirit of India, which has been the mother of democracy in the world. Underling the youth-centric spirit of the constitution, the Prime Minister said that it is known for its openness, being futuristic, and modern vision.
Speaking on the occasion Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said “Constitution in the bedrock on which Indian democracy stands”. “The founding fathers placed immense responsibility on future generations,” he further added, invoking Dr BR Ambedkar, hailed as the “Father of India’s Constitution”.
“In a country as large as ours, the delivery of justice remains a challenge. From courts to citizens, quick access to justice should be the focus,” the minister further asserted as he also insisted on use of local languages in courts.