- Equality Under Constitutional Strain
- District Courts Backbone System
- Constitutional Warning
Article Today, Hyderabad:
Caste- and religion-based discrimination remains unconstitutional and deeply troubling, said Supreme Court judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan on Saturday. Addressing a judicial gathering in Hyderabad, he expressed concern that such practices continue even in an educated society. He urged members of the judiciary to uphold the constitutional values of equality and fraternity. These values, he said, form the foundation of India’s democratic structure.
Anganwadi Incident Cited
Justice Bhuyan referred to a recent incident in which some parents reportedly objected to their children eating food cooked by a Scheduled Caste anganwadi teacher. He said such behaviour directly undermines the spirit of the Constitution. In the 21st century, he observed, such discrimination signals a failure to internalise constitutional morality. Therefore, he called upon judicial officers to remain vigilant against social prejudice in all its forms.
Seminar On Constitutional Morality
The remarks were delivered at a seminar on “Constitutional Morality – Role of the District Judiciary” held at the Telangana State Judicial Academy. The event was jointly organised by the Telangana Judges’ Association and the academy. Justice Bhuyan stressed that constitutional morality must guide judicial reasoning, especially at the district level where citizens first encounter the justice system.
Pyramid Of Justice
Describing the judiciary as a pyramid, Justice Bhuyan said district courts form its base. If the base is strong, the entire structure stands firm. However, if the foundation weakens, public confidence suffers. He urged judges to act in line with the vision of Dr B R Ambedkar, ensuring that justice reaches ordinary citizens without fear or bias.
Trust And Trial Courts
Meanwhile, Telangana High Court Chief Justice Justice Apares Kumar Singh addressed the theme of bridging the gap between public trust and justice delivery. He said trial courts are the backbone of the judiciary. They must not be treated as inferior to higher courts. Instead, he argued, strengthening the lower judiciary is essential for maintaining institutional credibility.
Judicial Participation
Earlier, Telangana High Court judge and academy president Justice Moushumi Bhattacharya delivered the welcome address. Several High Court judges, including Justice Naveen Rao, attended the seminar. Office bearers of the Telangana Judges’ Association coordinated the event. Senior judicial officers and academy faculty members also participated, both in person and virtually.
Closing Proceedings
The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks and the national anthem. Organisers felicitated the chief guests after the session. Senior registry officials and members of the Telangana State Legal Services Authority were present.
The seminar underscored a central message. Constitutional morality must prevail over entrenched social prejudice. The responsibility, speakers said, rests heavily on the district judiciary.
