7 months ago
Republic Day: Protecting Constitution Beyond Courts
Republic Day in India is a special day that reminds everyone about the country's values of freedom, equality, and justice.
It's a day to think about how the Constitution, which is like the rulebook of the country, helps everyone live safely and with respect.
The article talks about something called 'self-sovereignty,' which means taking responsibility for your own actions and thoughts.
It gives examples of people who follow rules not because they have to, but because they want to do what's right.
The article also talks about Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, who helped create the Constitution, and how he warned that even with a good Constitution, people need to be good too.
It also mentions a gig worker named Moninder who showed bravery by trying to save someone's life, showing that everyone can contribute to making the country great.
Additionally, the article discusses how the Constitution needs to be protected not just in courts but also through the actions of all institutions and the public.
It warns about the dangers of constitutional erosion through bureaucratic and political actions and emphasizes the importance of active participation and scrutiny from the public, media, and civil society.
Republic Day in India celebrates the adoption of the Constitution and the values of freedom, equality, and justice.
Self-sovereignty refers to taking personal responsibility for one's actions and thoughts, beyond just following rules.
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, warned about the challenges of implementing these values in society.
Ethical behavior is crucial for building a strong and just society, as demonstrated by individuals like Moninder, a gig worker who tried to save a life.
The Constitution's values are meant to be lived by every citizen to shape the nation's collective values, and its protection requires active participation from all institutions and the public.
- Who
- Nanditesh Nilay, ethicist and author, and an advocate at the Supreme Court
- What
- Discussion on self-sovereignty, ethics, and the protection of the Constitution on Republic Day
- Where
- India
- When
- Republic Day (January 26)
- Why
- To promote ethical understanding, constitutional values, and the importance of upholding the Constitution beyond courts
Constitutional Protection
Constitutional Erosion
Role of Institutions
Constitutional Protection
Constitutional values must be upheld across all institutions and public life, not just in courts.
Constitutional Erosion
Constitutional erosion can occur through bureaucratic and political actions that undermine its principles.
Public Engagement
Constitutional Protection
Active participation and scrutiny from the public, media, and civil society are essential to sustain constitutional values.
Constitutional Erosion
Selective enforcement and bureaucratic opacity can normalize constitutional violations before judicial intervention.
Political Responsibility
Constitutional Protection
Political actors and citizens must cultivate constitutional morality to ensure the Constitution's effectiveness.
Constitutional Erosion
Political decision-making and public consent can lead to the normalization of democratically dangerous practices.
Key facts
- Article Series
- UPSC Ethics Simplified
- Author
- Nanditesh Nilay
- Publication
- The Indian Express
- Date
- Republic Day (January 26)
- Key Concept
- Self-Sovereignty
- Constitution Adoption
- January 26, 1950
- Key Figure
- Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar
- Ethical Example
- Moninder, the gig worker
- Writer
- Advocate at the Supreme Court
Quotes
Thaawarchand Gehlot
Governor of Karnataka
“The Government of Karnataka has treated all these three principles enshrined in the Constitution as priority issues.”
theprint.in
“If we protect the Constitution, the Constitution will protect us.”
theprint.in
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Architect of the Indian Constitution
“However good a Constitution may be, if those who are called upon to work it happen to be a bad lot, the Constitution will prove to be bad.”
theprint.in
Sources
On Republic Day, a reminder: Politics, government and society can erode the Constitution – or protect it
UPSC Ethics Simplified : This Republic Day, understanding idea of ‘Self-Sovereignty’ and why ethics matter
Nation rises only when citizens rise: Acharya Prashant
