The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, graced the Constitution Day Celebrations organized by the Supreme Court of India in New Delhi on November 26, 2023. Addressing the gathering, President Murmu underscored the importance of Constitution Day as an occasion to celebrate and rededicate ourselves to the values embedded in the Constitution.
Values of Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity
President Murmu emphasized that the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, enshrined in the Constitution, serve as the guiding principles for the nation. These values, she noted, played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence and continue to shape the country’s nation-building efforts. The President reiterated the commitment to upholding these principles in the day-to-day life of the nation.
Access to Justice and Diversity in the Legal System
Focusing on the cause of justice, President Murmu stressed the need to make justice accessible to all citizens. Identifying barriers such as cost and language, she called for introspection on whether every citizen can effectively seek justice. To enhance the cause of justice, she proposed the creation of an All-India Judicial Service, emphasizing a merit-based, competitive, and transparent process for recruiting judges from diverse backgrounds.
President Murmu highlighted the importance of diverse representation in the legal system, stating that varied backgrounds on the Bench and Bar contribute to a more effective dispensation of justice. She suggested that a system like the All-India Judicial Service could facilitate the recruitment of talented individuals from different regions, creating a more inclusive and representative judiciary.
Making the System Citizen-Centric
To improve access to justice, President Murmu called for a citizen-centric approach to the overall legal system. Acknowledging the historical influence of colonialism on legal frameworks, she expressed confidence in accelerating the process of de-colonization with conscious efforts. The President emphasized the need for ongoing efforts to align legal systems with the evolving needs of citizens.
Constitution in Practice: Role of the Supreme Court
President Murmu acknowledged that the Constitution is a living document, its vitality sustained through practical implementation and interpretation. Commending the Supreme Court as the final interpreter of the founding document, she praised the legal acumen and scholarship displayed by the Court’s bar and bench. President Murmu expressed confidence that a vibrant judiciary ensures the health of the nation’s democracy.
As India commemorates Constitution Day, President Droupadi Murmu’s address serves as a call to action, urging a collective commitment to constitutional values and ongoing efforts for a more accessible and diverse legal system.
