Chief Justice of India Sanjeev Khanna spoke at a Constitution Day event, highlighting the transformative journey of India since independence and the role of the Constitution in shaping the country. He emphasized that the Constitution is a way of life that must be upheld by both judges and members of the bar. The annual observance of Constitution Day was officially declared in 2015 to honor the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
Today marks the 75th anniversary of India's Constitution, which has been celebrated as Samvidhan Diwas since 2015. Led by visionary leaders like B.R. Ambedkar, the Constituent Assembly took almost three years to finalize the Constitution, which came into effect on January 26, 1950. As the country celebrates this milestone, here are 10 lesser-known facts about the Indian Constitution, compiled by B&B Associates LLP. This day is a reminder of the principles and values that guide the world's largest democracy.
On November 26, India observes Constitution Day to honour Dr BR Ambedkar and celebrate the adoption of the Constitution in 1949. The day promotes awareness of constitutional values and reinforces the principles of democracy, justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity among citizens. It recognizes the contributions of the Constituent Assembly and serves as a reminder to uphold civic responsibilities and strive for a fair and inclusive society.
As the nation gears up to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution on November 26, all eyes are on the iconic leader, Dr. BR Ambedkar. The Father of the Indian Constitution, Dr. Ambedkar was instrumental in the drafting and adoption of the Indian Constitution, which was the culmination of years of hard work. His contributions towards ensuring social justice and fundamental rights for all will be remembered and celebrated on this day.
As India commemorates the 75th anniversary of its Constitution, President Droupadi Murmu will address a joint sitting of Parliament and release translated versions of the Constitution in Sanskrit and Maithili. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries will also attend the celebrations, together with the unveiling of a commemorative coin and stamp. The event coincides with the launch of a new website dedicated to engaging citizens with the legacy of the Constitution through interactive activities, and mass readings of the Preamble will be held nationwide. This is a significant day for India, as it honours the historic document that laid the foundation for its democracy.
As India celebrates the 75th anniversary of the adoption of its Constitution on November 26, top leaders including President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar will address the nation at a special event. The Prime Minister will not be addressing the event, instead a commemorative coin and stamp will be released. However, the Opposition has raised objections over their leader Rahul Gandhi not being invited to speak at the event. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has dismissed these claims, stating that arrangements have been made for the Leader of Opposition in both houses of parliament to be present on the dias.
At a BJP rally in Jharkhand's Palamu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of showing a "fake" copy of the Constitution, void of any content and with "Constitution of India" written on the cover, in order to mock the sacred document and its makers. Shah also accused Congress of trying to take away reservations from OBCs, tribals, and Dalits and give it to minorities, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared 26 November as Constitution Day.
The iconic statue of Lady Justice at the Indian Supreme Court's judges' library has been reimagined to align with a more indigenous legal identity. The statue, traditionally depicted with a sword and blindfold, now holds a copy of the Indian Constitution with her eyes unveiled. This shift symbolizes a move towards fair and equal treatment for all citizens, placing emphasis on the Constitution as the foundation of justice. This change, overseen by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, is part of a broader effort to shed colonial symbols and traditions. Additionally, Sikkim Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang recently attended a State-Level International Labour Day celebration, marking the state's commitment to indigenous practices and traditions.
While speaking to Reuters, Sajeeb Wazed, son of Bangladesh Awami League leader Sheikh Hasina, revealed that his mother did not have the time to formally resign before fleeing to India due to violent anti-quota protests by students. He also claimed that she is still the Prime Minister of the country according to the constitution. The formation of an interim government without her resignation may face legal challenges. This development comes on a day when protesting students demanded the resignation of all judges, including the Chief Justice, after he called for a full-court hearing without consulting the newly-formed interim government headed by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.
In a powerful move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has designated June 25 as 'Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas' or Constitution Killing Day, expressing a resolute stance against the actions of the Emergency era. Home Minister Amit Shah announced this development through Instagram, as the nation remembers the darkest period in India's democratic history. PM Modi highlighted that this day serves as a tribute to those who bravely protested against the Emergency and suffered its oppressive consequences, reaffirming India's unwavering commitment to protecting constitutional values and individual freedoms.