New Delhi : On the occasion of Constitution Day, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna emphasized the vital role of the judiciary in safeguarding democracy and the rule of law. Addressing the Constitution Day celebrations at the Supreme Court, CJI Khanna said that when citizens challenge a law or an executive action, they are actively participating in the democratic process envisioned by the Indian Constitution.
CJI Khanna reflected on the significance of the Constitution, calling it not just a legal document but a “way of life” for the people of India. He underscored the Constitution’s design to ensure that the judiciary remains independent, unbiased, and free from political pressures.
Judiciary’s Role in a Democratic Society
In his address, CJI Khanna drew attention to the essential nature of judicial independence in a democracy. He remarked, “Imagine a world where judges campaign for votes, solicit views from the public, and make promises for future judgments. The Constitution insulates the judiciary from the ebbs and flows of the electoral process, ensuring that its decisions are fair and unbiased, free from external influences.”
He emphasized that the judiciary’s role is not only to interpret the law but also to safeguard the Constitution by providing checks and balances on the actions of the legislature and the executive. The judiciary’s independence, he stated, is crucial for maintaining the integrity and fairness of judicial decisions.
Challenges Facing the Judiciary
CJI Khanna also acknowledged the ongoing challenges within the Indian judicial system, particularly the backlog of cases, delays, high litigation costs, and the large number of undertrial prisoners. He noted that these issues are “engulfing the judiciary” and that addressing them is critical to ensuring timely and equitable justice for all.
He further stressed that the judiciary must open itself to scrutiny and feedback to identify and rectify systemic deficiencies. “It is our pledge to honour, uphold, and protect the Constitution of India as its trustee and custodian,” CJI Khanna said. “Through judicial review, we have the power to strike down unconstitutional laws, executive policies, and administrative decisions. We also entertain Public Interest Litigations (PILs), initiate suo moto cases, and appoint amicus curiae to assist in our decision-making.”
E-Courts Project and Technological Advancements
In his speech, CJI Khanna also expressed his gratitude to the Union government for approving a budget of ₹7,200 crore for Phase-III of the e-Courts project. The initiative aims to digitize court proceedings, improve access to justice, and reduce delays in the legal system. The ongoing modernization of the judiciary through technology is seen as a significant step towards improving efficiency and accessibility, particularly for underrepresented communities.
Constitution Day: Commemorating 75 Years
Constitution Day, or Samvidhan Divas, is celebrated annually on November 26 to honor the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly in 1949. The Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950, marking the beginning of India’s journey as a sovereign republic.
This year, as India celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Constitution’s adoption, the Supreme Court commemorated the occasion with a series of events and reflections on the Constitution’s enduring legacy. The Constitution outlines the framework for governance, the distribution of power among the different branches of government, and the fundamental rights of citizens.
In 2015, the Union government officially recognized Constitution Day to spread awareness about the importance of the Constitution, promote constitutional values, and encourage citizens to reflect on the principles of democracy, justice, equality, and liberty that the Constitution enshrines.
A Call for Reflecting on Democratic Values
Concluding his address, CJI Khanna called on all citizens to reflect on the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution, particularly those of justice, equality, and liberty. He reminded everyone that the Constitution remains the bedrock of India’s democracy, and it is the collective responsibility of all citizens, institutions, and the judiciary to uphold and protect it.
As the Supreme Court continues to play a pivotal role in ensuring justice and fairness, CJI Khanna’s address underscored the importance of the Constitution as a living document that continues to guide India’s democratic and legal framework.