Uphold spirit of Constitution, CJ urges citizens
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 26 2024:
Emphasising the significance of the Constitution of India, Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur, D Krishnakumar, called on citizens to uphold the spirit of the Constitution during the 75th Constitution Day observance held at the High Court Complex.
The High Court commemorated the day in association with Bar Council of Manipur, High Court Bar Association of Manipur, All Manipur Bar Association, and Manipur Judicial Academy.
Attending the event as chief guest, Krishnakumar led the gathering in a mass reading of the Preamble to the Constitution of India.
In his address, the chief justice highlighted the Constitution as a living document that embodies the principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, urging everyone to internalise its ideals in daily life.
"As we read the Preamble together today, we do not merely recite its words but pledge to live by its spirit," he remarked, and underscored the collective responsibility of judges, lawyers, and citizens to uphold the rule of law, promote access to justice, and ensure equality before the law.
He stated the Constitution Day commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution on November 26, 1949, and described the Preamble as the soul of the Constitution, forming the basis for peaceful coexistence and equality.
He also noted that the Constitution, the longest written document of its kind in the world, reflects India's diverse identity, struggles, and aspirations.
In the light of technological advancements, he stressed the growing importance of the Constitution and called on everyone to rededicate themselves to its ideals.
"By doing so, we honour the sacrifices of those who framed this document and contribute to building a stronger, more just India for generations to come," he said.
The commemorative event was attended by Justices A Bimol Singh, A Guneshwar Sharma, and Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui, along with advocate general Lenin Hijam, Bar Council of Manipur chairman S Brajabihari Singh, High Court Bar Association of Manipur vice president H Tarunkumar Singh, and All Manipur Bar Association president P Tomcha Meetei.
Officials of the High Court Registry, the Manipur Judicial Academy, and members of the Bar also participated in the observance.
Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA), in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authorities (DLSA) of Imphal West and Imphal East, also observed the 75th Constitution Day at the Conference Hall of the ADR Building, Lamphel Court Complex, Imphal.
The event was attended by district and sessions judge of Imphal West and chairperson of Imphal West DLSA, Yumkham Rother; district and sessions judge of Imphal East and chairperson of Imphal East DLSA, Ningthoujam Lanleima; and MASLSA member secretary of MASLSA Alek Muivah.
According to a statement issued by MASLSA, the Preamble of the Constitution of India was collectively read out by participants, which included judicial officers, legal aid defence counsel, panel advocates, para legal volunteers, officers and staff of MASLSA, DLSA Imphal West, DLSA Imphal East, and media persons.
In his address, Alek Muivah stated that the observance held nationwide commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution, while calling the Constitution of India as one of the most vibrant and enduring legal frameworks in the world.
He contrasted India's constitutional stability with neighbouring countries that often face breakdowns in their constitutional mechanisms, noting that the Indian Constitution has successfully guided the nation for over 75 years despite its vast and diverse nature.
An open quiz competition on the Constitution of India was also organised as part of the programme and the winners awarded gifts.