Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai said that while nations like Pakistan and Bangladesh faced political instability, India has stayed united due to the strength of its Constitution. He credited the judiciary and constitutional values for keeping the nation stable for 75 years.
Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai recently visited Prayagraj, where he spoke on many important topics related to the Indian Constitution, judiciary, and the country’s unity.
Speaking at a seminar at Allahabad University, where he was the chief guest, the CJI said that while neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh have faced instability, India has remained strong and united because of its Constitution.
Chief Justice B.R. Gavai said that
“even though countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have faced instability, India has remained united despite internal and external challenges, the main reason for this is the Indian Constitution.”
He explained that the Constitution of India has been the foundation of the country’s stability and progress. He also spoke about how the judiciary has evolved over the years and recognized many new rights for citizens under the Constitution.
According to him,
“in the last 75 years, the judiciary has recognized many such rights as fundamental rights, which were not initially imagined by the makers of the Constitution.”
Talking about the right to life and dignity, the Chief Justice said that earlier, the Supreme Court had held that the powers mentioned in Part 3 of the Constitution were fundamental rights.
But with time, the law evolved further. The Supreme Court later made it clear that all the rights under Articles 14 and 21 are also considered fundamental rights.
CJI Gavai said,
“Over the last 75 years, the Supreme Court and the High Courts have recognised innumerable rights as fundamental rights based on the same principle. The right to life is not only the right to exist but also the right to live with dignity. The right to life includes the right to food, clothing and shelter. It also includes the right to a pollution-free environment and cleanliness. Moreover, it includes adequate medical care, immunity from forced labor, and other such rights.”
Speaking about Parliament’s powers, Chief Justice Gavai discussed how the power to amend the Constitution was limited after some landmark judgments.
He said,
“Initially, whenever there was a conflict between fundamental rights and guidelines, the courts used to maintain their supremacy. Later, the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution was restricted in the Kesavananda Bharati case. Earlier, Parliament was held to have unlimited revisional powers in the Shankari Prasad case. Later, the judgments in the Golaknath and Kesavananda Bharati cases made it clear that these rights were not absolute.”
Through his speech, CJI Gavai highlighted how the Indian judiciary has played a vital role in protecting democracy and ensuring justice for all.
He said that the evolving interpretation of the Constitution has strengthened citizens’ rights and safeguarded India’s democratic values.
Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, known for his straightforward and open approach, is set to retire on November 23, 2025.
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He became the Chief Justice of India only six months ago, but in this short period, he has delivered several important judgments in various significant cases. After his retirement, Justice Surya Kant will take oath as the next Chief Justice of India on November 24.
Chief Justice Gavai’s words remind everyone of how the Constitution continues to serve as India’s greatest strength, keeping the country united and stable amid challenges both inside and outside its borders.
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