indian-constitution-a-social-document-cji-gavai-at-oxford-union

The Chief Justice of India B R Gavai while addressing the Oxford Union underlined the fact that The Constitution of India is a social document that does not pretend that all are equal, but dares to intervene to recalibrate power and restore dignity.

 

Speaking at the University of Oxford on the topic ‘From Representation to Realisation: Embodying the Constitution’s Promise’, CJI Gavai reflected upon his own journey from a municipal school to the highest judicial office. He highlighted the impact of the “legal charter” now in its 75th year.

 

He also delved into the role of Dr B R Ambedkar as the chairman of the Drafting Committee for his “foresighted and defining role” in embedding adequate safeguards and affirmative measures into the Constitutional text, particularly the principle of representation.

 

“Many decades ago, millions of citizens of India were called ‘untouchables’. They were told they were impure; they were told that they did not belong; they were told that they could not speak for themselves,” said CJI Gavai.

 

“But here we are today — where a person belonging to those very people is speaking openly, as the holder of the highest office in the judiciary of the country. This is what the Constitution of India did. It told the people of India that they belong, that they can speak for themselves, and that they have an equal place in every sphere of society and power,” he said.

 

The Chief Justice noted that the idea of representation found its most powerful and enduring expression in the vision of Dr Ambedkar, a “statesman, scholar, jurist, and social revolutionary” who rose from the most oppressed strata of Indian society.

 

“For Dr Ambedkar, representation was far more than a procedural matter of allocating seats. It was a moral and democratic imperative,” said CJI Gavai.

The keynote address at Oxford University opened with introductory remarks by Tanvi Dubey, Advocate on Record at the Supreme Court, and included an interaction with students on topics such as the role of technology and equal representation in the judicial process.

 

The CJI has been delivering a series of lectures and keynote addresses on the Constitution and its enduring impact during his ongoing tour of the UK this week.