Constitution Day Not A Ritual But Reaffirmation Of Shared Values Binding Indians : Justice Vikram Nath

At the Constitution Day ceremony held at the Supreme Court on Tuesday, Justice Vikram Nath, Judge of the Supreme Court, underscored that the commemoration of November 26 should never be reduced to a ceremonial observance, but must remain an active reaffirmation of the constitutional values that bind the nation.

"Constitution Day is therefore not a ritual. It is a reaffirmation of the shared values that bind us: the dignity of the individual, the unity of the nation, and the hope that democratic institutions will continually evolve for the better," he said.

Delivering the welcome address in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu and Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Nath emphasised that Constitution Day is an occasion to renew the nation's collective commitment to democracy, liberty, equality and the rule of law. “Our Constitution is not merely a legal document. It is a living promise,” he said, describing it as both the compass and the anchor for a country as vast and diverse as India.

"Our Constitution is not merely a legal document; it is a living promise. It is the framework within which India has pursued justice, nurtured pluralism, and ensured that every citizen has both rights and responsibilities.

In a nation as vast and varied as ours, the Constitution acts as both compass and anchor. It provides stability to institutions and protection to the weakest among us, even as it adapts to new demands and new generations without losing sight of its foundational values," he said.

Justice Nath said that the life of President Murmu exemplifies resilience, compassion and inclusive leadership, and was a reminder of the transformative potential of India's democratic institutions. He commended her decades of service, particularly her work for the health, education and economic empowerment of tribal communities.

Welcoming Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Nath said the judiciary would continue to be guided by the CJI's leadership rooted in institutional integrity, accessibility and efficiency. He also acknowledged the efforts of Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal in fostering dialogue between the Bar, Bench and the Government, and in driving legal reforms.

Reflecting on the historic significance of November 26, 1949, the day the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution, Justice Nath said it marked an extraordinary act of collective vision by a newly independent nation that consciously chose democratic values for its future.  

Justice Nath highlighted that Constitution Day is a reminder of the rights and responsibilities vested in every citizen, and of the need for democratic institutions to evolve while remaining anchored in foundational values. 

Reaffirming the Supreme Court's constitutional role, he said the Court approaches its interpretative responsibilities with humility and care, fully aware that its decisions shape the everyday realities of millions.

Concluding the address, Justice Nath urged that the observance of Constitution Day strengthen the nation's commitment to constitutional morality and deepen democratic citizenship.