India's Constitution played major role in advancing socio-economic justice for its citizens: CJI

ANI June 19, 2025 266 views

CJI BR Gavai emphasized the Indian Constitution's role in uplifting marginalized communities through affirmative action and land reforms. Speaking in Italy, he called the Constitution a "revolutionary statement" that shaped post-colonial governance. He highlighted how the judiciary and Parliament worked together to enforce socio-economic rights. Gavai noted India's Constitution remains a global model for inclusive governance.

"The Indian Constitution has strived for change in the life of the common people." — CJI BR Gavai
New Delhi, June 19: Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Thursday said that the Indian Constitution has given us the vision, tools, and moral guidance and has shown us that law can indeed be a tool for social change, a force for empowerment, and a protector of the vulnerable.

Key Points

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CJI Gavai credits Constitution for affirmative action policies

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Land reforms and education rights transformed lives

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Supreme Court expanded enforceable socio-economic rights

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India's Constitution inspired post-colonial democracies

Speaking at the Milan Court of Appeal, Italy, on the topic "Role of Constitution in Delivering Socio-Economic Justice in a Country: Reflections from 75 Years of Indian Constitution," CJI Gavai said that the journey of the Indian Constitution over the past 75 years in delivering socio-economic justice is a story of great ambition and important success.

"Affirmative action policies in education, which sought to correct historical injustices and ensure representation of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and socially and educationally backward classes, have been a concrete expression of the Constitution's commitment to substantive equality and socio-economic justice," he said.

CJI said that Constitution is not just a political document for governance, but was a "revolutionary statement", giving a ray of hope to a country coming out of long years of colonial rule, suffering from poverty, inequality, and social divisions.

He took pride in stating that the framers of the Indian Constitution were deeply conscious of the imperative of socio-economic justice while drafting its provisions.

"The framing of the Indian Constitution set a profound precedent for democratic governance in the post-colonial world. India's Constitution became a model for other emerging nations striving to build inclusive and participatory governance structures," said the CJI.

In his lecture, CJI said that as we look back on these 75 years, there is no doubt that the Indian Constitution has strived for the change in the life of the common people.

"To summarise, several aspects of the Directive Principles were made enforceable by reading or legislating them as a facet of the fundamental rights. While Parliament took a lead by way of legislation and constitutional amendments, the Supreme Court has consistently worked to transform socio-economic rights, ranging from education to livelihood, into enforceable fundamental rights, which were then given effect by the Parliament," he added.

"In other words, the journey of the Indian Constitution over the past 75 years in delivering socio-economic justice is a story of great ambition and important successes. To take an example, the earliest initiatives undertaken by the Indian Parliament immediately after the adoption of the Constitution included land and agrarian reform laws and affirmative action policies for backward classes. The impact of these initiatives is clearly visible today," CJI further said.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Our Constitution is truly visionary! The reservation system, while sometimes debated, has helped millions break free from generational poverty. But implementation at ground level needs improvement - many deserving students still face discrimination. More awareness programs needed!
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Priya M.
Proud to hear our CJI speaking about this in Italy 🇮🇳 The world should know how our Constitution protects the vulnerable. My grandmother couldn't go to school, but thanks to reservation policies, I became the first doctor in our family! #ConstitutionDay
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Amit S.
While I appreciate our Constitution's ideals, the reality is different in many villages. Land reforms haven't reached all farmers equally. The judiciary must ensure faster implementation of welfare schemes. Justice delayed is justice denied!
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Neha T.
The Constitution gave us rights, but we need more responsibility too. I've seen people misuse reservation certificates while genuine candidates suffer. Time for periodic review of policies to ensure they serve their original purpose.
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Sanjay R.
Kudos to CJI for highlighting this abroad! Our Constitution's emphasis on socio-economic justice is unique. The Right to Education Act transformed my slum - now every child goes to school. But we need better vocational training for job opportunities.
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Kavita P.
The Constitution is like our moral compass 🌟 But laws alone can't change mindsets. In my college, some professors still treat reserved category students differently. We need social change along with legal reforms. Education is the key!

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Indian Constitution CJI BR Gavai socio-economic justice affirmative action Supreme Court Milan speech