India’s Constitution: 7 Powerful Reasons It Remains the Unbreakable Anchor Amid Turmoil

Justice B.R. Gavai, poised to become India’s next Chief Justice, emphasized the Constitution’s decisive role in preserving national unity and strength through crises, crediting it as the foundation of India’s post-independence journey. He highlighted Dr. Ambedkar’s wisdom in crafting a uniquely adaptable framework – neither rigidly federal nor unitary – designed to hold diverse India together in peace and war. Gavai stressed that Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles act as inseparable “twin wheels” driving the constitutional chariot forward, supported collectively by all branches of government over 75 years.

Crucially, he affirmed the judiciary’s duty to reach the “last citizen” needing justice, recognizing this as a fundamental obligation. Gavai also underscored the landmark ‘Basic Structure’ doctrine as an essential safeguard protecting the Constitution’s core identity from erosion. Praising the Allahabad High Court, he illustrated the necessary partnership between judges and lawyers, calling them two sides of the same coin essential for justice to advance. His remarks serve as a vital reminder that the Constitution remains a living, practical instrument for stability and equity, demanding constant collaboration to fulfill its promise for every Indian. This enduring relevance stems from its visionary design for resilience and its mandate for accessible justice.

India’s Constitution: 7 Powerful Reasons It Remains the Unbreakable Anchor Amid Turmoil

Speaking at the Allahabad High Court, Justice B.R. Gavai, poised to become India’s next Chief Justice, delivered a powerful testament not just to a building’s inauguration, but to the enduring bedrock of the nation: its Constitution. His remarks transcended ceremonial platitudes, offering profound insights into why this document remains vital. 

The Unifying Force in Crisis: 

Justice Gavai pinpointed a crucial truth: India’s remarkable resilience through countless crises – social, political, and economic – finds its source in the constitutional framework. “Whenever there has been a crisis in the country, it has remained united and strong. The credit for this should be given to the Constitution,” he asserted. This isn’t mere rhetoric; it’s recognition that the shared rules, rights, and structures enshrined in 1950 provide stability when centrifugal forces threaten. 

Beyond Federal vs. Unitary: A Pragmatic Blueprint: 

Recalling the Constituent Assembly debates, Justice Gavai highlighted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s wisdom. Faced with arguments labeling the draft “too federal” or “too unitary,” Ambedkar clarified its genius lay in its adaptability. It was designed as neither rigidly one nor the other, but as a dynamic instrument capable of holding a vast, diverse nation together “in both peace and war.” This inherent flexibility, Gavai implied, is key to its survival and relevance. 

The Golden Chariot’s Twin Wheels: 

Justice Gavai eloquently framed the relationship between Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy as “the two wheels of the golden chariot of the Constitution.” This metaphor underscores their interdependence. While Rights empower citizens, the Principles guide the state towards creating social and economic conditions where those rights can be meaningfully enjoyed. He rightly credited all three pillars of democracy – legislature, executive, and judiciary – for advancing equality within this framework over 75 years. 

The Unshakeable Core: The Basic Structure Doctrine: 

Acknowledging a cornerstone of Indian jurisprudence, Gavai referenced the landmark 1973 Supreme Court judgment (Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala). This ruling established that while Parliament can amend the Constitution, it cannot destroy its “basic structure” – the fundamental ideals like democracy, secularism, judicial review, and fundamental rights that define its very identity. This doctrine acts as the ultimate safeguard for constitutional integrity. 

Justice for the Last Citizen: A Fundamental Duty: 

Moving beyond structure, Justice Gavai grounded his message in a core mission: “It is our fundamental duty to reach out to the last citizen who needs justice.” This statement transforms constitutional principles from abstract ideals into an urgent mandate for the legal system, emphasizing accessibility and inclusivity. 

Bar and Bench: Partners in Progress: 

Commending the Allahabad High Court judges for sacrificing personal convenience (vacating bungalows) for new lawyer chambers, Gavai reinforced the symbiotic relationship essential for justice: “The bar and the bench are two sides of the same coin. The chariot of justice cannot move forward unless both work together.” This collaboration is vital for translating constitutional promises into reality. 

Why This Insight Matters Today: 

Justice Gavai‘s speech offers more than historical reflection. It provides crucial perspective in an era of complex challenges: 

• Resilience Blueprint: Understanding how the Constitution fosters unity helps navigate contemporary social and political tensions. 

• Guardrails of Democracy: The reminder of the “basic structure” doctrine is vital in discussions about the limits of power and the protection of core democratic values. 

• Access to Justice Imperative: The call to reach the “last citizen” highlights the ongoing struggle against inequality within the justice system itself. 

• Collaborative Imperative: The emphasis on Bar-Bench cooperation is a practical necessity for efficient and fair justice delivery. 

India’s Constitution, as Justice Gavai powerfully articulated, is not a relic. It is the living, breathing engine of the nation’s unity, the protector of its citizens’ rights, and the compass guiding its journey through calm and storm. Its enduring strength lies in its visionary adaptability and its unwavering commitment to justice for all – a commitment that demands constant vigilance and effort from every institution and citizen it serves.