Chief Justice of India BR Gavai calls the Constitution “invaluable” for maintaining India’s unity over 75 years. Speaking at Osmania University, he highlights Ambedkar’s vision, especially Article 32, as vital to safeguarding fundamental rights and preserving national integrity

Hyderabad: Chief Justice of India BR Gavai described the Indian Constitution‘s contributions as ‘invaluable’ in keeping the country united and strong over the past 75 years.

Delivering a distinguished lecture on the topic ‘Constitution of India: The Contribution of Babasaheb Dr BR Ambedkar’ at Osmania University here on Saturday, Justice Gavai said Dr Ambedkar was criticised for the Constitution being too federal or centric.

However, Ambedkar refuted the allegations and said the Constitution was not too centric or federal.

Justice Gavai highlighted how Dr Ambedkar said the drafting committee was giving the Constitution to the country that would keep India united in times of war and peace.

“We see that in the journey of the last 75 years, though we had many external aggressions and internal disturbances, India has always remained strong and united. My respectful opinion is that contributions of the Constitution of India in keeping the country united and strong are totally invaluable,” he said.

The CJI said that among Dr Ambedkar’s assertions was that rights without remedies were meaningless. “That is why Article 32 exists, which allows any citizen to approach the Supreme Court directly for the protection of fundamental rights. Ambedkar described this Article as the very ‘heart and soul of the Constitution’,” he said.

Supreme Court Judge Justice Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha, Telangana High Court acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul, and Telangana High Court Advocate General A Sudharshan Reddy also spoke at the event, which was attended by the judges of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh High Courts.