At a 75th Constitution anniversary event, retired Chief Justice Siddharth Mridul highlighted the importance of balancing rights with responsibilities in democracy. He urged citizens to engage in nation-building, emphasizing voter participation and environmental care. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant praised Goa’s exemplary policies, reiterating that fulfilling constitutional duties is essential for sustainable democracy and societal well-being.
Panaji: At an event commemorating the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, retired Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court, Justice Siddharth Mridul, emphasized the critical balance between rights and responsibilities in a thriving democracy.
“No democracy can achieve success where citizens assert their rights alone but neglect to actively discharge citizenship duties,”
Justice Mridul stated.
Speaking at the event organized by Goa’s Directorate of Higher Education, Justice Mridul called upon citizens to contribute actively to nation-building. Highlighting the incorporation of fundamental duties into the Indian Constitution through the 42nd Amendment in 1976, he remarked:
“The original Indian Constitution, the world’s longest and biggest written Constitution, saw a holistic approach towards civic life in a democratic and egalitarian politics that was not considered imperative to include fundamental duties.”
He explained that the 42nd Amendment aimed to overcome challenges in achieving a socio-economic revolution and correlated fundamental duties with fundamental rights and directive principles of state policy.
Justice Mridul expressed concern over decreasing voter turnout in parts of the country, stating,
“Voter apathy should be considered very seriously because in the large number of states, it has been noticed that the percentage of voting has been dropping alarmingly.”
Encouraging active participation, he reminded citizens that exercising voting rights is both a fundamental duty and a cornerstone of democratic governance.
Justice Mridul also urged Goans to contribute to keeping the state’s beaches clean, emphasizing sustainable practices. He remarked:
“We should make sure that all the plastic that is generated and thrown away into the sea every day is collected and deposited with the authorities.”
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, also present at the event, praised Goa as the first state to implement a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), calling it a model for the nation. “Goa is a model state for the country, and we are ahead in achieving betterment,” he said.
Sawant echoed Justice Mridul’s sentiments about balancing rights and duties, stating,
“Everyone is fighting for their rights. I request everyone to follow duties which are given by our Constitution, which will give real justice to the Constitution of India.”
Justice Siddharth Mridul’s call for citizens to balance rights with responsibilities is a timely reminder of the essence of the Indian Constitution. From voting rights to environmental conservation, fulfilling constitutional duties ensures the sustainability of democracy and the well-being of society.
As Goa continues to set an example with its progressive policies, the nation must take collective steps to honor both the rights and duties enshrined in the Constitution.
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