Bangladesh a clear reminder of how precious liberty is for us: Indian CJ

Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud emphasised the importance of liberty and freedom during the 78th Independence Day event in India. Highlighting India’s choice of freedom in 1950, Chandrachud compared it to current events in Bangladesh, pointing out the precious nature of these values. He also spoke about the duties of citizens in realising the values of the constitution, Times of India reports.

“This day we honour the commitment of who lives this life to make it greater and who is working to make it greater. We all speak about the Constitution in the backdrop of the colonial era and what our country suffered. This morning I was reading a beautifully written piece by noted Karnataka vocalist Chitra Sri Krishna and the title of the piece is Songs of Freedom. The idea of liberty is woven into the fabric of Indian poetry,” Chandrachud was quoted as saying.

He was also quoted as saying, “We chose in 1950, the uncertainty of freedom, and what is happening today, say, in Bangladesh is a clear reminder of how precious liberty is for us. It is very easy to take freedom and liberty for granted but it is important to understand the past stories to remind us how important these things are.”

Chandrachud also paid tribute to freedom fighters who abandoned their legal careers to join the struggle for independence. Among those he mentioned were Babasaheb Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer, Govind Vallabh Pant, Devi Prasad Khaitan, and Sir Syed Mohammed Saadullah, according to the report.

He reportedly highlighted their contributions not only in securing India’s freedom but also in laying the foundation for an independent judiciary

“Many lawyers gave up their legal practices and dedicated themselves to the cause of the nation. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer, Govind Vallabh Pant, Devi Prasad Khaitan, Sir Syed Mohammed Saadullah among so many others. They were instrumental not only in achieving freedom for India but also in establishing a fiercely independent judiciary,” Chandrachud was quoted as saying.

Reflecting on his 24 years as a judge, Chandrachud emphasised the courts’ role in addressing the struggles of ordinary Indians, who come from diverse backgrounds seeking justice, according to the Times of India report.

“As a judge for the past 24 years, I can keep my hand in my heart and say that the work of the courts reflects the struggles of ordinary Indians navigating the rough and tumble of their daily lives. The Supreme Court of India sees throngs of litigants from villages and metropolitan cities of all regions, castes, genders and religions seeking justice. The legal community allows the court to do justice to these citizens in those small a measure,” he was quote as adding.

Chandrachud also touched on the necessity of modern, accessible, and inclusive judicial infrastructure. He stressed that this accessibility not only aids lawyers in their work but also fosters a sense of responsibility towards the judiciary, according to the report.

“The ease of lawyers to navigate the court not only allows them to assist the court with ease and efficiency but also for them to feel a sense of responsibility towards the institution of the judiciary as its custodian in the last six months,” he was quoted as saying.