Nation Has Stayed United and Strong During Every Crisis: CJI B.R. Gavai

Nagpur — Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai on Saturday stated that the country has always remained united and resilient whenever it has faced a crisis.

Speaking at the inauguration of India’s first Constitution Preamble Park at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Law School, Nagpur University, CJI Gavai recalled how Dr. B.R. Ambedkar had defended the structure of the Indian Constitution amid criticism that it was overly centralised.

“Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar faced criticism that the Constitution was too centralised, focusing too much on centralism rather than federalism. But Babasaheb responded by saying the Constitution is neither entirely central nor purely federal — it is designed to tackle all kinds of challenges. He assured that this Constitution would keep the nation united in times of both war and peace,” said the CJI.

“Today, after 75 years of independence, look at the situations around us — Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal. Whenever India has faced a crisis, the country has stood together, united and strong,” he added.

The event was attended by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, and other dignitaries. CJI Gavai was also felicitated on the occasion for assuming office as the Chief Justice of India on May 14.

Referring to the Supreme Court's recent judgment upholding the abrogation of Article 370, CJI Gavai said the decision aligned with Dr. Ambedkar's vision of having one unified Constitution for the entire nation.

“The Supreme Court endorsed the view that the country needs to be governed by a single Constitution,” he remarked.

The CJI praised Dr. Ambedkar’s role in unifying the country through the Constitution and highlighted the special significance of Nagpur, the city where Ambedkar embraced Buddhism, as the location for the Constitution Preamble Park.

In his address at a felicitation function organised by the Nagpur District Court Bar Association on Friday, CJI Gavai underscored the importance of maintaining boundaries between the three pillars of democracy — the judiciary, executive, and legislature.

He emphasized that while the judiciary plays a crucial role in upholding constitutional principles, it must exercise restraint and avoid excessive interference.

“The judiciary should not intervene in every matter. There must be a careful balance between judicial activism and judicial restraint. Judicial activism should never turn into judicial terrorism or adventurism,” he cautioned.

CJI Gavai also credited his success to the Indian Constitution and Dr. Ambedkar's vision, describing the Constitution as a unique document that guarantees social, economic, and political justice to all citizens.

With inputs from IANS