Today, On 26th November, On Constitution Day, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna emphasized that the Constitution is a “way of life” that must be actively upheld. Speaking at the SCBA meeting, the CJI reflected on his long tenure as a member of the Bar, which has lasted longer than his time as a judge. He underlined the importance of living by the Constitution’s principles every day. His words served as a reminder of the ongoing commitment to justice and equality.
New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjeev Khanna stated that the Constitution represents a way of life that must be upheld, emphasizing that India has become a self-assured and democratic nation because of it.
Speaking at the Constitution Day celebration organized by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), CJI Khanna reflected on India’s transformative journey since independence.
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He noted that following the traumatic experiences of partition, widespread illiteracy, poverty, hunger, and the absence of a strong democratic system, India has evolved into a mature and vibrant democracy and a geopolitical leader.
CJI Khanna remarked,
“The Constitution of India has been pivotal to this transformation,”
During his address to the SCBA, he highlighted that his time as a member of the Bar has been significantly longer than his tenure as a judge.
He emphasized,
“Judges come from the Bar and return to it. We are part of the Bar; the better the Bar, the better the judges,”
Acknowledging the challenges faced by Bar members. He further asserted that the Bar is an integral part of the judiciary, alongside the judges.
Constitution Day, also known as Samvidhan Divas, is celebrated in India on November 26 each year to honor the adoption of the Constitution of India. On this day in 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution, which came into effect on January 26, 1950.
The day is marked with various events, discussions, and activities to highlight the importance of the Constitution and its role in shaping India’s democracy, justice, and governance. It serves as a reminder of the values enshrined in the Constitution, such as justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
History and Evolution
Pre-Independence and the Need for a Constitution:
Before India’s independence in 1947, the country was governed by colonial laws. Post-independence, there was a pressing need for a written constitution that would outline the values of the newly independent nation, define the structure of government, and protect the rights of citizens.
Constituent Assembly of India:
The Constituent Assembly was formed in 1946 to draft a Constitution for India. The assembly was composed of elected representatives and members from both the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League, along with others. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a pivotal role as the chairman of the Drafting Committee, guiding the process of drafting the Constitution.
Adoption of the Constitution:
On November 26, 1949, after almost three years of deliberations, the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution of India. However, the Constitution did not come into force immediately. It was scheduled to come into effect on January 26, 1950, which is now celebrated as Republic Day.
The Significance of November 26:
Initially, the adoption date (November 26) was not celebrated annually. However, over time, this day came to symbolize the importance of the Constitution and its role in defining the democratic structure of the nation. November 26 was later formally recognized as Constitution Day.
Constitution Day’s Formal Declaration (2015):
In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared November 26 as Constitution Day in a formal capacity. The government marked this day to celebrate the Constitution’s importance and its guiding principles of democracy, justice, and equality. On this day, the Preamble of the Constitution is read aloud in schools, institutions, and government offices across the country.
Purpose of Celebrating Constitution Day:
Constitution Day is an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the significance of the Constitution, its values, and principles. The day is used to raise awareness about the Constitution’s role in ensuring justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity in Indian society.
Constitution and Its Evolution:
The Indian Constitution has undergone several amendments over the years to adapt to changing needs and circumstances. With 105 amendments (as of 2024), the Constitution remains a living document that continues to guide the governance of India. It lays down the framework for the country’s political system, legal rights, social justice, and individual freedoms, while also ensuring a separation of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
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Key Features of the Indian Constitution:
- Federal Structure: Divides power between the central government and state governments.
- Preamble: The preamble sets out the objectives of the Constitution, including justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
- Fundamental Rights: A set of rights granted to every citizen, including rights to equality, freedom of speech, and protection against discrimination.
- Directive Principles of State Policy: Guidelines for the state to follow in governance to ensure social and economic justice.
- Secularism: The Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and ensures that the state does not favor any religion.
Constitution Day marks the day the Constitution of India was adopted, symbolizing India’s commitment to democratic governance, justice, and equality. Over the years, it has become an occasion to reflect on the enduring relevance of the Constitution and the responsibility of every citizen to uphold its values.
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