Supreme Court judge stresses the Constitution’s religious neutrality at advocates convention
In Jaipur on December 27, Justice J.K. Maheshwari, a judge of the Supreme Court, told the second day of the 17th National Convention of the All India Advocates Council that the Indian Constitution is not “secular” in the narrow sense but is religiously neutral. He highlighted that the document gives equal respect and protection to every faith.
Speaking in Balotra, the judge explained that while the idea of adding “secular” to the preamble was discussed, legal experts from Rajasthan suggested calling the Constitution simply “religiously neutral.” This view was later accepted.
“We have the motto ‘Justice: My Religion,’ and it isn’t just a slogan,” Justice Maheshwari said. “It is a living constitutional truth.” He urged that the Constitution should not be confined to courtrooms but reflected in the everyday conduct of lawyers and citizens alike.
According to him, the Constitution is the supreme rule of law for people of all religions and carries a moral authority comparable to religious texts such as the Gita, the Quran and the Bible.
Calling Balotra and Jodhpur “lands known for bravery and unwavering faith,” the judge stressed that constitutional values must be practiced daily, not merely preached.
The judge also shared some lesser‑known facts about the Constitution’s creation. He noted that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar chair‑d the Drafting Committee, the artwork was done by renowned artist Nandalal Bose, and the original text was handwritten by Prem Bihari Narayan Raizada using 432 nibs of 303 different varieties. A digital presentation showed these nibs to the audience.
Drawing a parallel with the legendary throne of Vikramaditya, Justice Maheshwari said that justice once delivered was also accepted by society, strengthening public trust in governance.
Other speakers at the convention included Justice Vineet Kumar Mathur, Justice Sanjeet Purohit, and former Rajasthan High Court judge Dr. Vineet Kothari. Justice Mathur pointed out that the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family) is evident in the preamble and reflects a nationalistic rather than an individualistic philosophy. Dr. Kothari emphasized that advocates are “the primary wheels of the justice delivery system” and that both judges and lawyers share responsibility for upholding India’s judicial credibility.
The vice‑president of the Advocates Council, Rajendran D., and several senior members also shared their perspectives. The programme opened with a Ganesh Vandana and an acclaimed Chari dance. Cultural performances—including a sword dance from Porbandar, energetic Bhangra, Mayur dance, Kathak, Rathwa dance, and Manganiyar folk music—added colour to the evening and introduced advocates from across the country to Rajasthan’s rich folk traditions and heritage of valor.
The event, conducted by Poonam Sharma and advocate Pankaj Awasthi, drew a large gathering of advocates and guests, including National Organising Secretary Harirao Borikar, National President K. Srinivas Murthy, National Secretary Vikram Dubey, State President Sunil Joshi, State General Secretary Shyam Paliwal, Devkinandan Vyas, Kamlesh Rawal, Senior Advocate Kantilal Thakur, Additional Advocate General Rajesh Panwar, Shyam Ladrecha and Mahaveer Bishnoi.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
