On Saturday, Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai emphasized Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of a united India under a single Constitution, stating that Ambedkar never supported the idea of a separate constitution for any state.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Constitution Preamble Park, CJI Gavai highlighted that the Supreme Court drew inspiration from Dr. Ambedkar’s commitment to a united India when it upheld the central government’s decision to abrogate Article 370, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Gavai was a member of the five-judge Constitution bench, led by then-CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, that unanimously affirmed the abrogation.
CJI Gavai recalled Dr. Ambedkar’s belief during the Article 370 hearings, stating in Marathi, “If we want to keep the country united, we need only one Constitution.” The central government’s decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and divide it into two Union Territories was made on August 5, 2019.
Gavai also noted that Dr. Ambedkar had faced criticism for supposedly incorporating too much federalism into the Constitution, with concerns that it might not keep the country united during times of war. However, Ambedkar had maintained that the Constitution would successfully navigate all challenges and preserve national unity. CJI Gavai pointed to the situations in neighboring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, contrasting them with India’s consistent unity in the face of challenges.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari expressed his pleasure at CJI Gavai inaugurating the Constitution Preamble Park and unveiling a statue of Dr. Ambedkar. Gadkari lauded Dr. Ambedkar’s contribution of freedom, equality, and brotherhood through the Constitution, underscoring its clear delineation of responsibilities and rights for the four pillars of democracy: the executive, judiciary, legislature, and media.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis commended CJI Gavai’s capable performance of his duties. Fadnavis underscored the Constitution’s significance, mentioning the government’s decision to ensure that the Preamble of the Constitution reaches every student as part of the Amrit Mahotsav of the Constitution. He concluded by stating that embracing the values of the Preamble would resolve 90% of the country’s problems permanently.
