“SPPU Hosts National Seminar on 75 Years of the Constitution: Justice D.Y. Chandrachud Calls It a Living Document and a Force of Stability”

The Department of Law, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), successfully organised a prestigious Two-Day National Seminar on “75 Years of the Constitution of India: Realising the Promise of Justice” on 13–14 September 2025 at the Iravati Karve Social Science Complex, SPPU. The event brought together jurists, academicians, and students to reflect on the journey and continuing evolution of the Indian Constitution.

The highlight of the seminar was the keynote address by Hon’ble Former Chief Justice of India, Dr. D.Y. Chandrachud, who shared inspiring insights on the Constitution as both a transformative guarantee and a stabilising force for Indian democracy.

Excellence of Savitribai Phule Pune University

In his inaugural remarks, Prof. Dr. Suresh Gosavi, Vice-Chancellor of SPPU, outlined the university’s legacy and achievements:

• Over 800 affiliated colleges, serving lakhs of students.
• 400+ research institutions associated with diverse disciplines.
• Global academic expansion: established programmes in Qatar, upcoming centres in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Tajikistan.
• First university in India to provide legal education to prisoners at Yerwada Jail.

He emphasised the university’s commitment to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, nurturing socially responsible and globally competent citizens.

“Oxford of the East” – Justice Chandrachud’s Tribute

Justice Chandrachud lauded SPPU as the “Harvard of India”, praising its global reach, academic brilliance, and inclusive education. He described it as a true leader in higher learning and innovation.

Maharashtra’s Contribution to Constitutional Values

Justice Chandrachud linked the state’s rich social and philosophical traditions with constitutional ideals:

• Sant Dnyaneshwar – Universality of dignity.
• Sant Tukaram – Equality of all humans; linked to the Sabarimala judgment on women’s entry to worship.
• Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj – Social justice pioneer: reservations, women’s education, inter-caste marriage.
• Mahatma Jyotiba and Savitribai Phule – Advocates of education for the marginalised, especially women.
• Lokmanya Tilak – His cry, “Swaraj is my birthright”, resonated in the Constitution’s self-governance.
• Irawati Karve – Advocate of widow remarriage, birth control, and equal opportunities for women.
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar – the architect, who placed fraternity at the core of social justice.

Constitution as a Living Document

Justice Chandrachud stressed that the Constitution is not static but evolving, shaped by:

• Judicial interpretation and case law.
• Democratic deliberation.
• Civil society participation.

He pointed to key constitutional developments:

• Balancing Centre-State federalism.
• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs) – land reforms, abolition of zamindari.
• Article 39A – Free legal aid as an extension of equality.
• 73rd & 74th Amendments – Empowering local self-governance.

Landmark Judgments: Shaping the Vision

Justice Chandrachud cited several cases where the judiciary reinforced constitutional values:

• Kesavananda Bharati (1973) – Basic Structure Doctrine.
• A.K. Gopalan (1950) → Maneka Gandhi (1978) – Expansion of Article 21 into dignity and fairness.
• Navtej Singh Johar (2018) – Decriminalisation of homosexuality, recognising LGBTQ+ rights.
• Joseph Shine (2018) – Striking down the adultery law as discriminatory.
• Lt. Col. Suprita Chandel vs UOI & Ors-Permanent Commission for Women (2020) – Breaking gender barriers in armed forces.
• Sukanya Shantha Case – Addressing caste and class bias in prison systems.
• M.K. Ranjitsinh Case – Linking environment to Article 21 (right to life).
• Property Rights Judgment (2022) – Article 300A interpretation balancing rights, equity, and sustainability.

Contemporary Reflections – AI, Violence, and Nation-Building

Justice Chandrachud also addressed modern challenges:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Helpful for analysis, but justice demands conscience, which AI lacks.
• Violence in society: Often seen as “virtual,” but its effects are real and destructive.
• Nation-building: Development must combine economic growth with moral responsibility, compassion, and harmony.

Constitution as a Transformative and Stabilising Force

In his conclusion, Justice Chandrachud described the Constitution as both a guarantee of transformation and a force of stability. He urged citizens to:

• Ask not only “What does the Constitution say?” but also “What freedoms and opportunities does it create?”.
• Redefine merit as inclusive participation, not just exam performance.
• Recognise that stability flows from family values, community participation, faith traditions, and constitutional principles.
  
  

He reminded that the Constitution of 1950 has evolved with India’s aspirations, calling it a “living document”. “We are all part of the constitutional project,” he said, urging dialogue, respect, and fraternity as the basis of nationhood.

Conclusion

The seminar not only celebrated 75 years of the Indian Constitution but also highlighted the role of Savitribai Phule Pune University as a beacon of academic and social progress. Aptly hailed as the “Oxford of the East”, the university continues to inspire innovation, inclusivity, and constitutional values for generations to come.