Essence of Constitution cannot be changed, says former Supreme Court judge

MYSURU: Retired judge of the Supreme Court Justice Shivaraj V Patil on Saturday said that, while a government with a majority in the Parliament could introduce amendments to the Constitution, the essence and purpose of the code of laws could not be tampered with. Justice Patil, who delivered the Sri K Puttaswamy Memorial Endowment Lecture on ‘Indian Constitution: Dynamics’ at an event organised by the Vidyavardhaka Law College, said, “The Preamble, fundamental rights and duties, the the directive principles of the Constitution cannot be altered.People must not read Constitution as a textbook. They must hold discussions on the text to understand it better.”
Youngsters must study the story of the struggle for India’s freedom to understand the importance of independence. “We are failing in implementing the Constitution. It is incumbent on us to ensure that we adhere to the Constitution for the development of the country,” he said.
Suttur Mutt seer Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami and Former MLC D Made Gowda were present.