‘We, the People of India’ establishes foundation of Constitution, says ex-CJI

Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Sanjeev Khanna delivered the fourth Justice VR Krishna Iyer Annual Law Lecture on “The Preamble and the Basic Structure Doctrine” at Himachal Pradesh National Law University, Shimla.

Justice Khanna reflected on the central importance of the Preamble and the Basic Structure Doctrine in India’s constitutional framework. He emphasised that the Preamble’s opening words “We, the People of India” establishes the collective will of the people as the foundation of the Constitution. He said that a comprehensive subject on the Basic Structure Doctrine should be introduced in legal education to deepen constitutional understanding.

He drew comparative insights from various jurisdictions and underlined that the Indian Constitution was inherently socialistic and people-oriented. He also paid homage to Justice VR Krishna Iyer, whose judicial philosophy and humane approach profoundly shaped India’s constitutional and social landscape.

Justice Khanna also addressed the undergraduate students of the university on “Emerging Significance of ADR with Special Reference to Mediation”. He discussed the growing importance of mediation and distinctions between institutional and ad hoc arbitration. He added that mediation would become an increasingly preferred mode of dispute resolution in the future.

Justice Sandhawalia, while delivering the presidential address, revisited the jurisprudence of Justice VR Krishna Iyer, particularly his progressive interpretations under Article 21 of the Constitution, which expanded the scope of fundamental rights and human dignity. He highlighted Justice Iyer’s landmark contributions to bail jurisprudence, prison reforms and the protection of the marginalised and downtrodden sections of society.

The event was graced by Judges of the Himachal High Court, including Justice Vivek Singh Thakur, Justice Ajay Mohan Goel, Justice Sandeep Sharma, Justice Ranjan Sharma, Justice Bipin Chander Negi, Justice Rakesh Kainthla, Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj and Justice Romesh Verma.

Justice Khanna also inaugurated a newly digitised library of the university, marking a significant step towards modernisation and digital transformation of its academic resources. The library has been equipped with a Hybrid RFID System, designed to streamline and automate library operations and ensuring efficient management of resources and improved access for students and the faculty.