D.Y. Chandrachud Hails Constitution’s Enduring Strength, Calls for Realising Uniform Civil Code
Image source: IANS
Mumbai, Aug 2 (The Trending People) — Former Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, has underlined the enduring strength and relevance of the Indian Constitution, calling it a "force offering stability to the nation" and a unifying pillar of India’s diverse society. Speaking at the launch of Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s new book ‘Our Living Constitution’ in Mumbai on Saturday, Chandrachud said that the Constitution had not only survived but thrived through India's governance cycles, crises, and evolving challenges over the past 75 years.
“The Constitution is here for all times,” he said when asked about opposition concerns regarding threats to constitutional institutions.
The former Chief Justice was addressing the media during the event organised by the India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (IIMUN), where he praised the foundational document for binding “different communities, religions, regions, and cultures” into “one nation”.
A Living Document for a Diverse Nation
Justice Chandrachud emphasized that India’s Constitution is not a relic of the past but a dynamic, evolving framework that continues to shape the nation's democratic ethos. “Over the past 75 years, the Constitution has witnessed cycles — of governance, pandemic, and internal and external challenges. But its true importance lies in the stability it imparts to the nation,” he remarked.
He stressed that the Constitution has helped maintain national unity by accommodating India’s immense diversity and channeling it into a singular democratic identity.
Endorses Uniform Civil Code as a Constitutional Vision
In a significant remark, Chandrachud also spoke on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) — a topic frequently debated in India’s socio-political discourse. He pointed out that the Constitution itself expresses the “desirability” of a UCC.
“At least 75 years after the founding of the Constitution, it’s important for us to realise this ambition and goal of the Constitution,” he stated.
However, he urged that the path forward must be inclusive and consultative:
“We need to take all segments of our society and community into confidence. This is truly in the interest of a future, just Indian society which we need to create.”
Empowering the Youth Through Constitutional Conversations
Reflecting on the event’s theme, Chandrachud noted that such discussions are crucial for the younger generation.
“These conversations are vital for our younger generation, which is the hope and future of our society and the nation,” he said, highlighting the need to nurture constitutional literacy among youth.
Shashi Tharoor’s ‘Our Living Constitution’ Launch
The event also marked the release of Shashi Tharoor’s latest book, ‘Our Living Constitution’, which delves into the vibrancy, relevance, and adaptability of India’s constitutional framework. The book seeks to initiate a nationwide dialogue on constitutional values in the 21st century.
Opposition Voices and the Constitution
When questioned about the Opposition's concerns regarding perceived threats to constitutional institutions, Chandrachud remained firm in his belief:
“The Constitution is here for all times.”
His statement appears to offer a subtle reassurance amid the ongoing national discourse over the independence and robustness of democratic institutions.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com:
Justice D.Y. Chandrachud’s remarks reaffirm the Constitution’s role as the cornerstone of India’s democracy. His call to realize the long-envisioned Uniform Civil Code, while taking all communities into confidence, signals a balanced approach to reform. At a time when the Constitution is frequently invoked in political debates, his message highlights the importance of preserving and strengthening India’s democratic fabric.