'Constitution has kept India united in crisis': CJI Gavai at Allahabad High Court event

NEW DELHI: Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud on Saturday said the Indian Constitution has played a decisive role in ensuring the country’s unity and strength during times of crisis. Speaking at the inauguration of advocate chambers and a multi-level parking facility at the Allahabad high court , CJI B R Gavai underlined the enduring relevance of the Constitution in guiding the nation’s progress.

“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,” Gavai said. He added that India’s journey of development after Independence has been possible because of the constitutional framework.

Recalling the debates during the framing of the Constitution, Gavai said, “Some said the Constitution is too federal, some said it’s too unitary. But Dr B R Ambedkar clarified that it is neither wholly federal nor wholly unitary, but one that will keep India united and strong in both peace and war.”

He noted that the legislature, executive, and judiciary have collectively contributed to bringing social and economic equality in the 75 years since the Constitution came into effect. “It is our fundamental duty to reach out to the last citizen who needs justice,” he said.

Referring to key legal developments, Gavai highlighted the 1973 Supreme Court judgment which ruled that while Parliament can amend Fundamental Rights , it cannot alter the Constitution’s basic structure. “Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles are the two wheels of the golden chariot of the Constitution,” he said.

Commending the Allahabad High Court for its role in judicial progress, Gavai praised the judges who vacated 12 bungalows to make way for the new lawyer chambers. “The bar and the bench are two sides of the same coin. The chariot of justice cannot move forward unless both work together,” he added.