CJI: Equal India a Work in Progress, Murmu’s Appointment a Step Forward

Speedy Summary

• Chief Justice (CJI) Bhushan Gavai, only the second Dalit to head India’s judiciary, highlighted India’s progress towards equality and inclusivity during his Independence Day speech at the Supreme Court.
• He cited President Droupadi murmu’s journey from a tribal village in Odisha to holding India’s highest constitutional office as a meaningful milestone in this direction.
• The CJI stressed that achieving a just, equal, and inclusive India is still an ongoing process and emphasized the responsibility of constitutional court judges to uphold liberty, equality, and fraternity.
• he called for broader interpretations of these constitutional values by judges to safeguard the rights of marginalized communities.
• Referring to ancient figures like Jyotirao Phule, Savitribai Phule, Birsa Munda, Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, and Babasaheb Ambedkar, he underscored their collective contributions toward building an equitable society.

!CJI BR Gavai (File photo/PTI)

Read More

Indian Opinion Analysis

The CJI’s remarks highlight both India’s achievements and challenges in creating an inclusive society. President Droupadi Murmu’s position is indeed symbolic of some progress made toward elevating representation from marginalized communities. Though,the acknowledgment that systemic inequalities persist indicates an awareness of deeper structural work still required.

By emphasizing judicial responsibility to protect marginalized groups’ rights through purposeful Constitutional interpretation, CJI Gavai reiterates core democratic values as envisioned by leaders like Ambedkar. his invocation of historical struggles for dignity also links today’s efforts with past lessons on inclusion and equity. While moments like Murmu’s election inspire hope for future advancements in social justice within India’s democracy framework-the path ahead remains arduous but necessary.