Kesavananda Bharati judgment a milestone for social and economic justice: Supreme Court Justice BR Gavai

The landmark Supreme Court judgment in Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala which propounded the Basic Structure doctrine was a milestone in taking forward the ideals of social and economic justice, apex court judge Justice BR Gavai said on Saturday. .The Supreme Court has always stood for fundamental rights and many rights have evolved over time, he opined."In my view Kesavananda Bharati is a milestone in Indian jurisprudence for taking forward social and economic justice", he said..The Supreme Court judge was delivering the SN Bhuyan centenary lecture in Guwahati. The theme of the lecture was '75 Years Of The Constitution Of India: Dr Ambedkar's Vision And Social Justice'.Late SN Bhuyan, the father of sitting apex court judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, had also served as the Advocate General of Assam. .Justice Gavai in his address touched upon the plight of women in the pre-Independence times. "During that time, women were considered the most downtrodden and faced difficulties getting educated and in some cases faced a worse plight than untouchables."The judiciary, executive and legislature has since, however, taken strides to ensure social and economic justice for women, he argued.S"We have seen over last 75 years numerous steps have been taken for social and economic justice. People from SCSTs have reached high positions; in Maharashtra we have a Chief Secretary and DGP who are women. The role of courts has been positive."Justice Gavai reiterated that it was only because of Constitution of India and Dr. BR Ambedkar that someone like him could succeed in life. "It is because of his vision that we have progressed towards social and economic justice. Judiciary, executive and legislature has made strides to give effect to Constitution and directive principles ... I urge upon all of you to make every effort to march towards social and economic justice in our Constitution, that will be the only way to give a tribute to the Constitution and SN Bhuyan," he said in conclusion..Justice Bhuyan introduced Justice Gavai to the audience on the occasion. He mentioned that Justice Gavai's opinion in the caste sub-categorisation case has elicited divergent opinions."In a good democracy, views and counter-views are always welcome," he added in this context.Supreme Court judge Justices Hrishikesh Roy and N Kotiswar Singh, Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, Supreme Court Advocates-On-Record association president Vipin Nair, Assam Advocate General Devajit Saikia and Gauhati High Court Bar association president KN Choudhury were also present at the event..My elevation to Supreme Court was sped up to ensure Dalit representation: Justice BR Gavai.[Watch our live coverage of the lecture]