Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai on Saturday underscored the pivotal role of the Indian Constitution in preserving national unity and guiding the country through crises. Speaking at the inauguration of the newly constructed advocate chambers and a multi-level parking facility within the Allahabad High Court premises, the CJI said that India’s continued resilience in the face of adversity is owed to its Constitution.
Reflecting on the framing of the Constitution, CJI Gavai recalled that when the final draft was presented before the Constituent Assembly, there were debates over its federal and unitary features. “Some people used to say that the Constitution is too federal, while some used to say that it is too unitary. Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar had replied that the Constitution is 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,” he remarked.
The Chief Justice highlighted the comparative stability and progress India has achieved since gaining independence, in contrast to some of its neighbors. “Today we see what is the condition of our neighbouring countries. And India is making a journey towards development after independence. 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.
Emphasizing the responsibility of institutions, CJI Gavai reminded all branches of governance—legislature, executive, and judiciary—of their duty to serve the common citizen. “It is our fundamental duty to reach out to the last citizen of this country who needs justice. Be it the legislature, the executive or the judiciary, everyone has to reach out to that citizen,” he stated.
