Legal reform lies in identifying historical injustices and addressing them through a just and inclusive legal system, chief justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud said, even as he lauded the idea of constitutionalism of BR Ambedkar, the architect of Indian Constitution.
The CJI made the observations during his keynote address at the Sixth International Conference on the “Unfinished Legacy of Dr BR Ambedkar” organised by the Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, in the United States on Sunday. He spoke on the topic, “Reformation Beyond Representation: The Social Life of the Constitution in Remedying Historical Wrongs”.
“Recognising these historical injustices underscores the crucial role of legal reform and the need for a just and inclusive legal system to address past wrongs and work toward a more equitable society,” the CJI said.
Quoting Ambedkar, Justice Chandrachud said however bad a constitution may be, it may turn out to be good if those responsible for its functioning happen to be a good lot.
“Dr Ambedkar’s constitutionalism aimed at creating a robust framework of checks and balances, where the constitution would serve as a bulwark against potential abuses of power, ensuring the protection of the rights of all citizens,” the CJI said.
Paying homage at the Ambedkar’s bust installed in the university, the CJI said that reformation beyond representation entails ensuring that marginalised and underrepresented communities not only have a seat at the table, but also have a meaningful voice in decision-making processes. This further extends to a deeper transformation of power dynamics, policies, and social structures, he added.
Founded in 1948, Brandeis University is named after Justice Louis Dembitz Brandeis, the former associate judge of the Supreme Court of United States.
Source: Hindustan Times
