CJI B R Gavai stressed that liberty, equality, and fraternity must work together for true democracy. He said the Constitution is India’s most important book, guiding progress toward social and economic justice.
Nashik: Chief Justice of India (CJI) B R Gavai on Saturday highlighted the urgent need to build social and economic equality in Indian society, stating that this responsibility lies with everyone. He was speaking at the inauguration of the new building of the Nashik District and Sessions Court.
The CJI compared the Constitution of India to the country’s most sacred texts, reminding citizens of its importance in daily life.
He said,
“The Constitution was the most important book for all Indians like the Bhagavad Gita, Guru Granth Sahib, Quran or the Bible,”
Referring to the wisdom of Dr B R Ambedkar, the architect of the Constitution, the CJI explained how political equality is incomplete without social and economic equality.
Gavai noted,
“In his speech on November 25, 1949, Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar had said that by the principle of one person, one vote, one value, we have assured political equality to all. Political equality has no value unless there is social and economic equality. Social and economic equality means the way wherein liberty, equality and fraternity work together,”
The CJI stressed the importance of liberty, equality, and fraternity functioning together as a single foundation for democracy.
He added,
“The unity of liberty, equality and fraternity is what leads to political, social and economic equality. Liberty and equality both are necessary but at the same time we require fraternity which will keep liberty and equality within their bounds and ensure that liberty and equality coexist without any problem. We all have the responsibility to move towards social and economic equality.”
Quoting Dr Ambedkar further, the CJI observed,
“Dr Ambedkar had said political equality is there but the nation is divided into four compartments at the social level and entry from one compartment to the other is not permissible. We have a vast width of the country wherein a very vast majority of people find it difficult to make both ends meet. Unless we remove this contradiction and create social and economic equality, this structure of democracy will collapse.”
Reflecting on the progress of the Constitution in the last seven decades, CJI Gavai pointed out,
“I am happy that in the last 75 years, the journey made by our Constitution has been very good. The three pillars of democracy – legislature, executive – bureaucracy and judiciary – have made the efforts to make progress in the manner the creator of the Constitution had expected. Parliament framed many laws for social and economic equality. Many laws for welfare of labourers and social welfare have been made.”
The CJI also recalled how the judiciary initially prioritised fundamental rights over directive principles, but later struck a balance.
He added,
“In the beginning of the journey of the judiciary, the directive principles would have to give way to fundamental rights, but afterwards efforts were made for equality between directive principles and fundamental rights. Later on, the work to create social and economic equality was done through various judgements – be it the NM Thomas case, Indra Sawhney case or the recent classification case.”
Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court Shree Chandrashekhar, Advocate General Birendra Saraf, President of Maharashtra and Goa Bar Council Amol Sawant, judges, and members of the bar were present during the event.
Responding to criticism about court infrastructure in Maharashtra, the CJI clarified,
“There is criticism that judicial infrastructure in Maharashtra is not good. But it is definitely good. We have very good buildings in Kolhapur, Amravati, Nagpur and my own town Daryapur. The government and the rulers are very positive about creating infrastructure – be it former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray or the present CM Devendra Fadnavis.”
He also urged people to visit the new Nashik court building, describing it as modern and citizen-friendly. He explained,
“It is said that one should not climb the steps of the court. However, everyone should definitely see this beautiful building. The Constitution is the most important book for all Indians like the Bhagavad Gita, Guru Granth Sahib, Quran or the Bible. Information about all chapters of the Constitution has been given at the entrance of the new building which is litigant-friendly.”
Acknowledging the rich heritage of the Nashik court, the CJI remarked,
“The Nashik Court has a legacy of 140 years. I hope that the last citizen of the nation, the poorest citizen, will get justice with less expenditure and less time here in this building and the dream of the creator of the Constitution will be fulfilled.”
Later, the CJI visited NBT Law College in Nashik, where he interacted with students, urging them to uphold constitutional values in their legal careers.
He advised,
“The fundamental rights given to the citizens by the Constitution of India and the principles of the Constitution have always been our guide. While studying law, students should accept the values in the Constitution and move forward with vigilance so that every citizen gets justice.”
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