Celebrating Constitutional Resilience: Day 2 of SGT University’s Lecture Series

Gurugram, 29th November 2024 — Faculty of Law at SGT University, Gurugram, continued its lecture series on Constitutional Law, celebrating "Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav," with a captivating session by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Govind Mathur, Former Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court.

Inaugural Proceedings

The event began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a soulful rendition of Saraswati Vandana. Prof. (Dr.) Richa Chaudhary, Dean of the Faculty of Law, delivered a heartfelt welcome address, emphasizing the importance of Constitution Day in preserving the democratic ethos of the nation.

Key Insights from Justice Govind Mathur’s Lecture

• The Rule of Law: The Backbone of Democracy
• Justice Mathur set the tone with his opening remarks on the critical role of the Rule of Law in safeguarding India’s democratic framework.

A Tale of Unity in Diversity

He shared a memorable anecdote from his visit to Venice, Italy, where he met an Indian-origin restaurant owner from Gujarat. This encounter highlighted India’s "unity in diversity", showcasing how its pluralistic culture, rooted in the Constitution, continues to inspire admiration globally.

Comparing India and Pakistan's Constitutional Paths

Justice Mathur delved into the contrasting trajectories of the Indian and Pakistani Constituent Assemblies. He attributed Pakistan’s constitutional instability and political turmoil to its initial missteps, while highlighting India’s success in maintaining democratic integrity through the flexibility and resilience of its Constitution.

Territorial Integration and Union Territories

In a historical overview, he discussed the integration of Union Territories, such as Dadra and Nagar Haveli, once under Portuguese rule. Justice Mathur traced the evolution of India’s territorial unification post-independence, emphasizing the Constitution's role in these developments.

The Basic Structure Doctrine

Justice Mathur offered a detailed explanation of the Basic Structure Doctrine, established in the landmark Kesavananda Bharati case. He underscored its importance in preserving the Constitution’s core principles against legislative overreach.

Justice: A Pillar of Society

Quoting Winston Churchill, he reiterated that society's stability rests on public faith in the justice system. Justice Mathur emphasized that justice remains a cornerstone for India’s progress and constitutional resilience.

Inspiring Future Legal Professionals

Addressing law students, Justice Mathur urged them to view their profession as a mission, not just a career. He highlighted their responsibility as "soldiers of the Indian Constitution," safeguarding its principles and values. Referring to the 106 constitutional amendments, he praised the Constitution’s adaptability and encouraged students to contribute to its evolution.

Engaging Q&A Session

The lecture concluded with an interactive session where students posed thought-provoking questions:

• On Protecting Constitutional Values: Justice Mathur emphasized the importance of preserving the spirit of the Freedom Struggle and actively participating in upholding constitutional principles.
• Addressing Public Disconnect with the Constitution: He pointed out the role of the legislature, judiciary, and executive in bridging this gap and ensuring constitutional values are upheld.
• Doctrine of Separation of Powers: Justice Mathur elaborated on the checks and balances between branches of government, acknowledging challenges in judicial accountability due to systemic issues like case backlogs.

A Thought-Provoking Conclusion

Justice Govind Mathur’s lecture offered a profound exploration of India’s constitutional journey and the responsibilities of legal professionals. The session served as a powerful reminder of the need to safeguard India’s constitutional heritage and foster justice in society.