Supreme Court Justice Advocates for Constructive Parliamentary Debates and Federal Principles
In a significant address at Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) in Patna, Supreme Court judge Justice B V Nagarathna called for a shift towards meaningful debates on public issues within Parliament and state legislatures, urging elected representatives to move beyond frequent clashes and walkouts. Delivering the inaugural Rajendra Prasad Memorial Lecture titled "Constitutionalism beyond rights: Why structure matters," she underscored that legislative bodies are fundamentally designed for healthy deliberation aimed at promoting public welfare.
Emphasis on Federalism and Institutional Integrity
Justice Nagarathna highlighted the constitutional framework, stating that states function as coordinate units rather than subordinates to the Centre. She stressed the importance of resolving disputes between the Centre and states amicably, in alignment with the spirit of federalism. Furthermore, she pointed out that the strength of the Constitution lies not only in the rights it guarantees but also in the robustness of its institutions.
To ensure the integrity of democratic processes, she remarked, "If those who conduct elections are dependent on those who contest them, the neutrality of the process cannot be assured." This statement underscores the critical need for independent electoral mechanisms to uphold democratic values.
Support from Other Legal Luminaries
The event also featured insights from other prominent legal figures. Supreme Court judge Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah emphasized that moral courage is central to the constitutional ethos, noting that constitutionalism rests on the rule of law, not merely rule by law. Patna High Court Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo added that courts and the Bar share a collective responsibility in protecting the constitutional framework.
In a related announcement, Advocate General P K Shahi revealed that the government plans to notify a monthly stipend of Rs 5000 for young lawyers enrolled with the Bihar State Bar Council, effective from January 1, 2024. This initiative aims to support emerging legal professionals in the state.
The lecture served as a platform to reinforce the principles of constitutionalism, federalism, and institutional integrity, urging all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue for the betterment of society.
