Constitution has fuelled India’s growth, says retired HC judge

MYSURU: In the 70 years since the Constitution came into force, it has fuelled India’s growth, and has served as a weapon to combat entrenched social evils such as the practice of caste system and poverty, said retired judge of the high court Justice HN Nagmohan Das on Wednesday.
Das, chief guest at a conference held to deliberate on the significance of the Constitution at Kalamandira, said, “Constitution enjoys a special place in the India’s democratic system.It is constitutional practices that enable smooth administration.”
Pointing out that nearly all the sovereign countries across the globe had a Constitution of their own, the former judge said that most citizens preferred a common code of laws to guide administration. “India has witnessed development in the past 70 years, and in large part, this is because of the Constitution being enforced. It is the Constitution that ensures a level-playing field for both men and women. The country will slide into chaos but for the Constitution. Harassment of those belonging to the weaker sections of society would become commonplace,” said Das.
Stressing the need to educate those in the hinterland of the country about the basic principles of the Constitution, Justice Das said, “Knowledge of the Constitution cannot and should not be the preserve of those in cities. This meeting to discuss the merits of our Constitution can actually serve as a tool to raise awareness. When only advocates and politicians possess knowledge about the Constitution, citizens ignorant of their rights end up being deprived of what they are entitled to.”
Judge of the Mysuru district principal and sessions court judge SK Vantigodi hailed the Constitution drafted by the BR Ambedkar-headed committee was among the greatest texts India had produced. Vantigodi endorsed Justice Das’s views on the need for increased awareness about the Constitution to ensure the rule of law in India.
Mysuru deputy commissioner Abhiram G Sankar, senior civil judge BP Devamane, former registrar of the University of Mysore Prof Basavaraju, deputy director of public instruction and Mysuru Bar Association president S Anandkumar were among those in attendance at the conference.