CJI Gavai Celebrates Indian Constitution's Impact at Oxford

London, June 11 (PTI) — Chief Justice of India B R Gavai, addressing the Oxford Union at the University of Oxford, emphasized the transformative nature of the Indian Constitution, which serves not just as a legal document but as a roadmap to recalibrate societal power and restore dignity. He spoke on the theme 'From Representation to Realisation: Embodying the Constitution’s Promise'.

CJI Gavai shared his personal journey from a municipal school to the highest judicial office, illustrating the profound impact of the Constitution as it nears its 75th anniversary.

He highlighted the indispensable contributions of Dr B R Ambedkar, who, as chairman of the Drafting Committee, ensured that the Constitution embedded essential safeguards and affirmative measures, with a particular focus on representation. "Many decades ago, millions of Indians were branded as 'untouchables,' deemed impure, marginalized, and voiceless," Gavai remarked.

"Yet today's reality is different. A person from those very communities now holds the highest judicial office, speaking openly and forcefully. This is the achievement of the Constitution of India, assuring everyone that they belong, that they have a voice, and they possess an equal standing in every facet of society and power," he asserted.

Emphasizing the document’s essence, he said, "The Constitution is not merely a legal or political structure. It is a profound sentiment, a lifeline, a quiet revolution mapped out in ink. In my own journey, its principles have been a compass—guiding and anchoring me through each step.”

CJI Gavai elaborated on the Constitution as a social document that faces the harsh realities of caste, poverty, exclusion, and injustice without pretending all are equal in a deeply unequal society. "It dares to intervene, to rewrite the script, recalibrating power and restoring dignity," he noted.

He praised Dr Ambedkar's vision for representation, highlighting it as a "moral and democratic imperative." "Representation, for Dr Ambedkar, was more than just an allocation of seats; it was about ensuring justice and equality," Gavai emphasized.

Reflecting on recent advancements, he said, "The beauty of Indian democracy is its capacity to evolve. As we celebrate 75 years of the Constitution, we continue to deepen and expand the meaning of representation, as evidenced by last year’s constitutional amendment for women's political reservations in Parliament and state legislatures."

The keynote address, which began with remarks by Tanvi Dubey, Advocate on Record at the Supreme Court, also featured an interactive session tackling subjects like technology's role and the pursuit of equal representation in the judiciary.

During his UK tour, Gavai has been engaging audiences with lectures and addresses emphasizing the enduring impact of the Indian Constitution.

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