Constitution will perish if India’s demography is altered: Madras HC judge

Speaking at a book launch event in Chennai on Sunday, Justice Swaminathan called the Constitution “ultimate for everyone”. “…the Constitution written by B R Ambedkar… But if the Constitution has to be the same forever, I know it is unfortunate to say this, the demographic profile at the time of Constitutional formation is also to be maintained the same,” he said.

“If the demographic profile is altered, the Constitution ceases to exist. So if the Constitution has to be there forever means the demographic profile also should remain the same. If that is to happen, people who follow the Indian tradition and the Indian Dharma should remain in the same tradition. Then only it (the Constitution) will be protected,” he said. “As a judge, I cannot speak beyond this… I hope you understand,” he added.

Before making the remarks, Justice Swaminathan issued a warning of sorts. He told the audience: “It (the speech) can turn out to be a slightly controversial view but I don’t mind that…”

In his speech, the HC judge also claimed that many individuals boasting their love for Tamil “often possess limited knowledge of the language”.