Human Dignity Called “Soul of Constitution” by CJI
Chief Justice of India B. R. Gavai has underlined that human dignity is the soul of the Indian Constitution, describing it as the guiding principle that holds together the values enshrined in the Preamble.
CJI’s Lecture on Core Principles
Speaking at the 11th Dr. L. M. Singhvi Memorial Lecture, themed “Human Dignity as the Soul of the Constitution: Judicial Reflections in the 21st Century”, CJI Gavai said dignity is both a substantive right and the lens through which all fundamental rights must be interpreted. He noted that liberty, equality, fraternity, and justice cannot be realized without dignity at their core.
Judicial Reflections on Dignity
The Chief Justice highlighted several landmark Supreme Court judgments where dignity formed the basis of interpretation, including the right to privacy verdict. He explained that dignity ensures not only the protection of individual autonomy but also reinforces inclusivity and fraternity in society. According to him, this approach has enabled the judiciary to craft a responsive and coherent framework to address modern challenges.
Constitution as a Living Document
CJI Gavai stressed that the Constitution remains a living instrument precisely because it draws from dignity as its foundation. He linked the idea back to B. R. Ambedkar’s vision, which emphasized fraternity as essential to democracy and social justice. He added that evolving interpretations of dignity continue to safeguard privacy, gender equality, and the rights of marginalized communities, keeping the Constitution dynamic and relevant.
