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CJI Gavai says three arms of democracy fulfilled responsibilities as desired by Ambedkar
Recalling that his father late RS Gavai, who was the chairperson of legislative council and former governor of Bihar, Kerala and Tripura, the CJI said that he treats the felicitation by the Maharashtra Legislature as blessings of 12.87 crore people of the state.
CJI BR Gavai (centre) at the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly ahead of his felicitation, along with CM Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CM Eknath Shinde (in white), on Tuesday. (Express photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)
The three arms of democracy — the executive, legislature and judiciary — have been able to fulfil their responsibilities at the completion of 75 years of the Constitution as desired by BR Ambedkar, Chief Justice of India BR Gavai said Tuesday.
Speaking on Indian Constitution at the Central Hall of the Maharashtra Legislature after he was felicitated for becoming the 52nd Chief Justice of India, Justice Gavai said: “When the country is heading for the centenary of the Constitution, the three arms have also been successful in ensuring social and economic justice and equality. It also ensured social-economic and social-political democracy.”
“I feel lucky to be the Chief Justice when the Indian Constitution has completed 75 years in April this year and heading for its centenary. I will be able to contribute my share in this journey… During my career I have always tried to strike a balance between the Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights described in the Indian Constitution,” he said.
Remembering his father the late RS Gavai, who was the chairperson of legislative council and former governor of Bihar, Kerala and Tripura, the CJI said that he treats the felicitation by the Maharashtra Legislature as blessings of 12.87 crore people of the state.
Gavai said that the Constitution is a weapon for bloodless revolution in the country and it has been witnessed during the several judgements given by the Supreme Court while upholding or dismissing the various enactments made by the states.
Adding that Ambedkar opposed the federal and state Constitution on the lines of United States of America (USA) and made a strong pitch for one Constitution, which has helped the country remain united, the CJI said: “Babasaheb Ambedkar was criticised by some for the Constitution being too centralised and by some it provides too much of federalism. Babasaheb had replied to that criticism by saying the Constitution is not centric nor federal. We are giving the country a Constitution suitable for all challenges, and I can assure you that it will keep the country united in times of war and peace.”
Referring to Babasaheb Ambedkar’s argument that the Constitution cannot be static but should be organic and evolving to suit the needs of future generations, Gavai said that even for an amendment, it requires two-third majority and approval from 50 per cent of the state legislatures.
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“Due to the Constitution, in India two women became President of India, members of the Scheduled Caste assumed the post of President of India and the Vice-President of India. In several states, women are assuming the posts of the chief secretary and the director general of police,” he said.
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