Chief Justice Of India Delivers Keynote At Gray’s Inn Celebrating 75 Years Of Indian Constitution And Dr Ambedkar’s Legacy

Chief Justice of India, Justice Bhushan Ramchandra Gavai, addressed a distinguished audience at Gray’s Inn, London, as the keynote speaker in a landmark event commemorating 75 years of the Indian Constitution.

Speaking on ‘The Living Document: 75 Years of the Constitution of India and the Enduring Relevance of Dr Ambedkar’, Justice Gavai highlighted the profound legacy of Dr BR Ambedkar and the Constitution’s continuing significance.

The event gathered eminent personalities, including Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta, High Commissioner of India Vikram Doraiswami, Lady Justice Arden, and Lady Justice Andrews.

It marked a momentous celebration of constitutional resilience and social justice.

A Personal And Historic Tribute To Ambedkar

Justice Gavai emotionally recalled Gray’s Inn’s historic role, where Dr Ambedkar received his legal education.

He said, “Standing here is deeply moving, for this place shaped the intellect behind India’s Constitution.”

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He also shared that his father, RS Gavai, fought alongside Ambedkar for social justice, drawing personal inspiration from Ambedkar’s teachings, which helped him overcome barriers and reach India’s highest judicial office.

Reflecting On 75 Years Of Constitutional Progress

Focusing on the Constitution’s journey, Justice Gavai emphasised Dr Ambedkar’s visionary foresight, which ensured its endurance through changing times.

He recalled Ambedkar’s first speech in the Constituent Assembly, where the need for effective rights enforcement led to Article 32 being called the ‘heart and soul’ of the Constitution.

Moreover, Justice Gavai explained how Ambedkar established the Directive Principles as the foundation of social and economic justice.

Describing them as ‘post-dated cheques’, he expressed confidence that India will eventually realise their promise.

Advances In Social And Economic Justice

Justice Gavai stressed the Constitution’s three core principles: liberty, equality, and fraternity, which Ambedkar regarded as inseparable.

He warned that political democracy remains incomplete without social and economic democracy.

Since independence, India has made significant strides: the abolition of zamindari, protection for tenants, and labour welfare laws have empowered the vulnerable.

Furthermore, the interpretation of Article 21 (right to life) has expanded to include education, a clean environment, dignity, and privacy, reflecting progressive judicial activism.

Championing Women’s Empowerment And Inclusivity

Continuing, Justice Gavai praised Ambedkar’s vision of gender equality.

He highlighted recent landmark decisions, such as granting permanent commission to women in the Indian Army, and celebrated the historic participation of all-women contingents in the 2024 Republic Day parade.

He noted with pride the presence of women officers stationed from Siachen to the sea.

Importantly, Justice Gavai pointed out that India’s current three constitutional heads, the President, Prime Minister, and Chief Justice, come from disadvantaged communities, demonstrating the Constitution’s inclusive power.

A Living Document For Changing Times

In conclusion, Justice Gavai described the Indian Constitution as a ‘living document’, as envisioned by Ambedkar, that is capable of evolving with the nation’s needs.

He urged all branches of government—the Parliament, Executive, and Judiciary—to continue striving towards the constitutional goals of social and economic justice.

He also expressed gratitude to Gray’s Inn for honouring Dr Ambedkar by dedicating a wing and a portrait in his name, underlining the Inn’s historic role as one of London’s four Inns of Court, institutions central to legal training and the judiciary.

This event not only celebrated a milestone anniversary but reaffirmed the enduring relevance of Dr Ambedkar’s vision in India’s ongoing democratic journey.