Justice Chandrachud Stresses Responsible Free Speech and Societal Balance at Vadodara Literature Fest
Former Chief Justice of India Justice D Y Chandrachud delivered a powerful message on constitutional values and democratic principles at the Vadodara Literature Fest 4.0, held at Parul University. Speaking on Wednesday, he emphasized that the right to speech should never be exercised to generate hate towards others' right to speech, highlighting the need for balance in a pluralistic society.
Constitutional Morality and the Essence of Rights
Justice Chandrachud interacted with participants, signing copies of his book Why the Constitution Matters and discussing the Constitution as a living document that defends justice, equality, liberty, and ethical conduct. He explained that while the Constitution grants rights, true societal harmony emerges when individuals acknowledge that others possess rights too. "The Constitution gives you rights. But once you realise and accept that others have rights too, that’s when you can create a perfect balance in the society," he stated.
He elaborated on the delicate balance required in a diverse nation like India, noting that freedom of speech is a fundamental right but must be exercised responsibly. "When speech degenerates into hate, it threatens democratic order," he warned, underscoring the role of institutions in upholding constitutional morality.
Embracing Diversity and the Power of Literature
Justice Chandrachud passionately spoke about India's strength lying in its diversity, urging people to hear diverse ideas and read beyond familiar territories. "The true strength of India comes from its diversity. So, respect each other… Understand each other. Read diversely," he advised. He encouraged attendees to allow diverse ideas to enter their minds, as this exposure fosters growth and evolution.
Reflecting on the role of literature festivals, he remarked that literature should not merely entertain but also challenge and shock readers, prompting deeper thought. "It should shock you, challenge you, and make you think," he said, adding that small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in the world, binding people together through shared national values.
Addressing Discrimination and Disability Inclusion
Justice Chandrachud also touched upon the concept of facial neutrality in law, which can be discriminatory in practice. He pointed out that facially neutral criteria may inadvertently perpetuate inequality, especially as society moves away from patriarchal mindsets. "The devil is always in the fine print… Facially neutral criteria may actually operate to discriminate in society," he observed.
Emphasizing inclusivity, he called for public spaces to be redesigned to be disability-friendly, shifting the perspective from disability as a medical issue to a societal responsibility. "Designed for default must be disability-friendly. We need to redesign public spaces to make them disability friendly," he asserted, highlighting the importance of creating equal opportunities for all.
Leadership Insights from General Naravane
The event also featured former Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Mukund Naravane, who shared experiences from military command, focusing on leadership, discipline, and service to the nation. He emphasized the responsibility of institutions in protecting national security and maintaining public trust. "Morally right thing will seem hard; but you need to choose the harder—right than the easier—wrong," he stated, reminding the audience that every citizen contributes to the nation's security and democracy.
The Vadodara Literature Fest 4.0 served as a platform for profound discussions on constitutional ethics, diversity, and societal responsibilities, reinforcing the importance of balanced rights and inclusive values in a dynamic democracy.
