Ajit Karn
Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud advised students and law graduates on Saturday that a problem cannot be resolved by remaining silent and that it is necessary to discuss and voice it.
The Chief Justice of India stated at the first convocation of Maharashtra National Law University in Nagpur that the Constitution is a homegrown document, a product of self-government, dignity, and independence. It provides the confidence to speak, he stated.
While pursuing this noble profession, all individuals must uphold the Indian Constitution’s values (of law). The responsibility to achieve social, political, and economic justice is a constitutional mandate that cannot be forgotten. “We must advocate for these rights,” he stated, adding that if young law students and graduates are guided by Constitutional values, they will not stray from this path.
He urged the young attorneys to courageously champion the voice of change in order to achieve justice. Justice Chandrachud stated, “It is easy to find a million excuses to maintain the status quo because law by its very nature is sluggish, but when you are at a crossroads, don’t be afraid to take the road less travelled.”
On the dais were former CJI Sharad Bobde, sitting SC judge Bhushan Gavai, Bombay HC Acting CJ Sanjay GA Gapurwala, VC Vijendra Kumar, and numerous legal luminaries.
Justice Chandrachud stated, citing his ruling that decriminalised homosexuality, that much has been accomplished but much more must be done to eliminate all forms of discrimination and antiquated practises that are untenable in modern society.
The CJI urged the law graduates to use the Constitution as a guide in their personal and professional lives, and to strive to achieve the lofty goals established by the nation’s founders. “Don’t be discouraged by setbacks and adversity,” he said, citing the example of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, and how he overcame all seemingly insurmountable obstacles to become an icon for millions.
In general, the success of the Indian Constitution is viewed from two diametrically opposed perspectives. “Some people speak adoringly of our Constitution, while others are cynical about its success. “The truth is neither here nor there,” stated the CJI DY Chandrachud.
As a government document, the Constitution’s potential is “informative,” he said, adding, “When viewed in the context from which it emerged, the Constitution is nothing short of remarkable.” According to Justice Chandrachud, the Constitution has made significant progress towards a more just and democratic society.
“However, there is still much work to be accomplished before we can rest… Deep-seated inequality, which fractured our society at the time of the Declaration of Independence, still exists today. “The best and most certain way to make this inequality a thing of the past is to integrate the spirit of the Constitution into our society,” the chief justice of India stated.
Justice Chandrachud added that attorneys must distinguish between justice and charity. “We can temporarily alleviate someone’s suffering by performing acts of charity. However, by doing so, we deny him his right to justice. Therefore, our objective should not be merely altruism, but rather the triumph of justice,” he said.
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Referring to the Preamble, the CJI stated that it is a brief but significant part of the Constitution and added, “We, the people of India, give this Constitution to ourselves.”
“This is of incalculable importance because it signifies the transition of the people of India from subjects to citizens.” The Constitution was not bestowed upon us by the colonial masters as an act of grace. “Our (Constitution) is a homegrown document…the result of self-government, dignity, and independence,” stated the CJI.
