On Tuesday, Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, commemorated Constitution Day by reflecting on the profound transformation that the Constitution of India has catalyzed in the nation. Speaking at an event organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), CJI Khanna described India’s journey from the trials of partition and underdevelopment to its current status as a robust democracy and a significant geopolitical player.
“India’s evolution is remarkable, transitioning from dire poverty and illiteracy to being a confident leader on the world stage. At the heart of this metamorphosis has been our Constitution, which isn’t merely a document but a way of life that we strive to embody every day,” Justice Khanna remarked.
The event, held at the Supreme Court, also featured notable speakers including Attorney General R Venkataramani and SCBA president, senior advocate Kapil Sibal. Constitution Day, observed on November 26 since 2015, marks the adoption of the Constitution by the Constituent Assembly in 1949, which was previously celebrated as Law Day.
In his address, Justice Khanna underscored the indispensable role of the Bar in the judiciary, emphasizing that judges and lawyers collectively constitute the judicial framework. “I have spent more years at the Bar than on the bench, and it is clear that the strength of our judiciary is significantly enhanced by the caliber of our Bar,” he noted.
During his tenure as CJI, Justice Khanna has initiated several reforms aimed at addressing the challenges faced by members of the Bar, including improvements to courtroom facilities and digital services. He also discussed the changes in the system for handling adjournments, which have seen a reduction in applications, highlighting the efficiency gains from the new approach.
The CJI called for a collective effort from the Bar and the judiciary to address ongoing challenges and leverage their strengths. “Today, as we reflect on our achievements and challenges, let us commit to advancing our legal framework and judiciary with unity and purpose,” Justice Khanna concluded, marking a day of introspection and aspiration for India’s legal community.
