Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud invoked the turmoil in crisis-hit Bangladesh on Thursday as a stark reminder of the importance of liberty and freedom. Speaking at an event commemorating India’s 78th Independence Day, the Chief Justice emphasized that the ongoing unrest in the neighboring nation underscores how vital these principles are to a functioning democracy.
Reflecting on the choices made by India in 1950 when the country adopted its Constitution, CJI Chandrachud remarked, “We chose in 1950, the uncertainty of freedom, and what is happening today, say, in Bangladesh, is a clear reminder of how precious liberty is for us. It is very easy to take freedom and liberty for granted, but it is important to understand the past stories to remind us how important these things are.” His comments were made during a speech in Delhi, where he highlighted the enduring relevance of liberty in contemporary times.
CJI Chandrachud’s remarks come in the wake of significant political upheaval in Bangladesh, where former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned following a month-long, student-led uprising. The uprising culminated in her forced exit, and Hasina has since taken refuge in Delhi. Meanwhile, an interim administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus is grappling with the aftermath, including targeted attacks on Hindus and other minorities that have escalated since Hasina’s departure.
During his address, the Chief Justice also underscored the significance of Independence Day as an occasion to honor those who have dedicated their lives to the nation’s progress. “Independence Day is an occasion to honor the commitment of those who live life to make it greater and who are working to make it greater,” he said, emphasizing the contributions of individuals who strive to uphold the values of liberty and freedom.
CJI Chandrachud shared a personal reflection from the morning, recounting his experience reading an essay by renowned Karnataka vocalist Chitra Sri Krishna titled Songs of Freedom. He noted, “The idea of liberty is woven into the fabric of Indian poetry,” highlighting how deeply ingrained the concept of freedom is within Indian cultural expressions.
Furthermore, the Chief Justice paid tribute to the many lawyers who abandoned their legal practices to join India’s freedom movement. He honored notable figures such as Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer, Govind Vallabh Pant, Devi Prasad Khaitan, Sir Syed Mohammed Saadullah, and others. CJI Chandrachud’s homage to these legal luminaries served as a reminder of the crucial role that the legal profession played in India’s struggle for independence.
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