Socio-economic justice is necessity for achieving long-term stability:CJI

Without addressing the structural inequalities that marginalise large sections of society, no nation can claim to be truly progressive or democratic, Chief Justice of India BR Gavai said on Wednesday while emphasising that socio-economic justice is a practical necessity for achieving long-term stability, social cohesion, and sustainable development. Speaking at a function in Milan on the topic of "Role of Constitution in Delivering Socio-Economic Justice in a Country: Reflections from 75 Years of Indian Constitution" , the CJI said that justice is not an abstract ideal and it must take root in social structures, in the distribution of opportunity, and in the conditions under which people live.
The CJI said that it is not merely a matter of redistribution or welfare but it is also about enabling every person to live with dignity, to realise their full human potential, and to participate as equals in the social, economic, and political life of the country. "Thus, for any country, socio-economic justice is a crucial aspect of national progress. It ensures that development is inclusive, that opportunities are equitably distributed, and that all individuals, regardless of their social or economic background, can live with dignity and freedom," he said.
He said affirmative action policies in education, which sought to correct historical injustices and ensure representation of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and socially and educationally backward classes, have been a concrete expression of the Constitution's commitment to substantive equality and socio-economic justice. CJI Gavai added that the Indian Constitution, which was adopted on January 26, 1950, is not just a political document for governance, but is a promise to society, a revolutionary statement, and a ray of hope for a country coming out of long years of colonial rule, suffering from poverty, inequality, and social divisions.He added that efforts to reduce poverty, enhance job creation and provide basic services like food, housing, and healthcare have also been critical to India’s social policy landscape in the recent decades. "I can say that both Parliament and the judiciary have expanded the scope of socio-economic rights in the 21st century," he underscored.