Constitution Of India A Living Document, Not Relic Cast In Stone, Says President

Role Of The Judiciary Is Sacrosanct

Bhopal (PIB-GR-TYP-BIN): The President of India, Mr. Pranab Mukherjee inaugurated the Fourth Retreat of Judges of the Supreme Court at the National Judicial Academy, Bhopal on April 16.

Speaking on the occasion, the President congratulated the Chief Justice of India and other companion Judges for organizing the Retreat which will provide a forum to discuss contemporary challenges that the country faces today along with global and transnational elements of legal disputes and adjudication. He said discussion and reflection of this nature is important, as well as necessary, to enable Judges keep pace with times and be able to deliver fair and effective justice in a rapidly changing world.

The President said Judiciary, which is one of the three important pillars of our democracy, is the final interpreter of the Constitution and laws. It helps in maintaining the social order by swiftly and effectively dealing with those on the wrong side of the law. As an upholder of the Rule of Law and enforcer of the right to liberty, the role of the Judiciary is sacrosanct. The faith and confidence people have reposed in the Judiciary must always be maintained. For justice to have meaning to the people, it must be accessible, affordable and quick.

The President said we have a written Constitution in India, which is a living document, not a relic cast in stone. It is a magna carta of socio-economic transformation. The Apex Court of India has continuously been interpreting the mandate for good governance enshrined in the Constitution on the altar of contemporary situations and challenges facing the country, whether due to global winds of change or from within.

(Source: PIB/GR/TYP/BIN/USPA/WN/IAIJ)