Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the enduring strength of India's Constitution during the Constitution Day celebrations at the Supreme Court, marking the 75th year of the Indian Constitution. Chief Justice of India Justice Sanjiv Khanna and other dignitaries were present at the event.


Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, “On this day in 1949, Dr Rajendra Prasad in his speech in the Constituent Assembly said India needs nothing but a group of 50 honest people who keep the country's interest ahead of theirs. This spirit of Nation First will keep the Indian Constitution lively for many years to come."


"The Constitution has assigned me my duties, and I have tried to remain within that dignity. I have not attempted any encroachment. While maintaining that dignity, I have expressed my views. Here, one only needs to give a hint; there is no need to say much," he quipped, presumably targeting the Congress-led INDIA bloc which has time and again accused him of trying to do away with the Constitution and snatch away people's rights.






PM Modi Recalls Emergency As 'Challenge' To Constitution, Emphasises Implementation In Jammu & Kashmir


Reflecting on the Constitution’s role over the decades, PM Modi remarked, “Our Constitution is the guide of our present and future. Over the last 75 years, whatever challenges have come before the nation, our Constitution has shown the right path to find a resolution to that challenge. During this period, a time like Emergency also came, and our Constitution faced this challenge as well.”


The Prime Minister emphasised the Constitution’s significance in integrating Jammu and Kashmir, stating, “It is because of the strength provided by the Constitution that Babasaheb’s Constitution has been fully implemented in Jammu and Kashmir. Today, Constitution Day was celebrated there for the first time.”






He further observed, “This is the 75th year of the Indian Constitution - it is a matter of immense pride for the country. I bow to the Constitution and all the members of the Constituent Assembly. We cannot forget that today is also the anniversary of the terror attack in Mumbai. Those who lost their lives, I pay my homage to them. I also want to reiterate the resolution of the country – all those terrorist organisations challenging the security of India will get a befitting reply.”






Highlighting the Constitution’s role in policy-making, PM Modi noted, “In the original copy of the Constitution, Lord Ram and Mother Sita have their images in it. These images symbolising Indian culture are there so that they can keep us reminded about human values. These human values are the foundation of policies and decisions of today’s India.”


During the event, PM Modi released the Annual Report of Indian Judiciary 2023-24. A painting created by an artist lodged in Tihar Jail was also presented to the Prime Minister by CJI Sanjiv Khanna.


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‘Every Judgment We Render Is A Zero-Sum Game’: CJI Sanjiv Khanna At Supreme Court Constitution Day Event


Chief Justice of India Justice Sanjiv Khanna addressed the occasion, reflecting on the dualities faced by the judiciary. “Every judgment we render is a zero-sum game, inviting celebrations from some and criticism from others. This is the duality that invites scrutiny in the functioning of the courts. For some, Constitutional courts in India are among the most powerful in the world... As judges, perspective and critique matter. Because our foremost duty is towards the public and, secondly, being open and transparent is the biggest strength of the judiciary,” he said.






The country is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution as Samvidhan Divas (Constitution Day). The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution at the Central Hall of Parliament on November 26, 1949. It came into force on January 26, 1950.