PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Almora
A special session marking 75 years of the Indian Constitution was held under the aegis of the Almora Literature Festival. Addressing the session, Justice Pankaj Purohit of the High Court of Uttarakhand, who hails from Gopeshwar (Chamoli), shared insights from his legal journey and reflected on the Constitution’s evolution as the world’s longest written and living document. He highlighted the resilience of Indian democracy during the Emergency and the role of the Supreme Court as the guardian of fundamental rights.
He underlined the enduring relevance of the Preamble, emphasising social, economic and political justice and liberty of thought and expression as the guiding principles of the Republic.
Terming the Constitution a living and amendable document, he noted that changes over time have ensured its relevance while the Basic Structure Doctrine safeguards its core spirit.
Responding to remarks labelling the judiciary as an impediment to development, Justice Purohit called such statements inappropriate and condemnable, asserting that an independent judiciary is vital to India’s federal framework. He acknowledged the collegium system’s scope for reform but reiterated its importance for judicial independence.
On ecological challenges facing states like Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, he stressed that implementation of existing environmental laws is key rather than enacting more legislation.
Regarding demands for Fifth Schedule status for Uttarakhand, he advised restraint and a Gandhian approach, prioritising nation first.
While referring to the UKSSSC examination issues, Justice Purohit stressed on moral education and value-based governance. “This is far better than blame-shifting,” he added.
He reaffirmed that judicial secularism requires judges to rise above personal identities in dispensing justice and noted that written judgments often carry literary and philosophical depth reflecting constitutional ideals.
