Former Supreme Court Justice K.M. Joseph delivering the speech on Constitution Day.
On Sunday, 26 November 2023, Former Supreme Court Justice K.M. Joseph has spoken to the media, acting as a citizens’ defenders while taking a stand against the authorities to guarantee a healthy democracy, at the inaugural ceremony for the Institute of Parliamentary Affairs (IPR) and Government Law College’s Constitution Day celebration.
Raise your voice in opposition to the denial of the law. Understand the rights provided by the Constitution and act as citizens with rights, not as servants.The Constitution prioritizes Social – Economic – Political Justice . He stressed people’ freedom to criticize governments while emphasizing how they have given up certain rights in return for others as part of a social contract. Only with an appropriate growth of the Rule of Law can the country grow also make it a point to follow the laws.
Through his speech, he emphasized the need of judges focusing on unbiased and just decisions rather than differences and political affinity.
The Former Judge also prompted reflection on whether the media reflects the variety of view by include voices of dissent and criticism of government policies, or if it speaks praises of the government and deifies the authorities.
He also added that the newspapers are the index of the true character of the government, be it democratic or authoritarian. Even while he had no objections to news anchors with political agendas, Mr. Joseph stated that the orderly conduct of discussions was not their prerogative, but that of the audience. “The freedom of expression that is guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution is not meant for the media owners, but for the public who are the consumers of information. The information must be unbiased and dispassionate. The idea should be to have fair debates where parties are given equal opportunities to participate in debates,” he pointed out.
He also stated that religion should have no part in politics. Despite not including the word ‘secular’ in the preamble, the founding fathers had always considered a secular Constitution. India has historically been the world’s most tolerant country. People of different faiths and beliefs have always felt welcome in the country.
Senior journalist S.R. Sakthidharan presided over the programme. IPR director general Biveesh U.C. and assistant professors Safi Mohan M.R. and Saleena U. also spoke on the occasion.
