Srinagar, July 27: Chief Justice of India, Justice B R Gavai, while addressing the North Zone Regional Conference of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), made a heartfelt appeal to restore the age-old spirit of communal harmony in Kashmir. He emphasized the role of the judiciary and legal fraternity in ensuring that the ideals of justice reach every citizen, even in the remotest corners of the country.
Speaking at the event, the CJI said, “There have been aberrations in the past, especially in regions like Kashmir. But it is our collective responsibility to undo these and rebuild the traditional Kashmir where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and people of all faiths lived together peacefully.”
In a deeply emotional tone, he spoke of his past visits to Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. “I feel like I have come to my hometown. The love and affection I have received here is overwhelming. The rich Sufi tradition in the region is a strong symbol of secularism and unity, just like the values enshrined in our Constitution,” he said.
He praised NALSA for taking legal aid to the grassroots, including difficult terrains like Ladakh, the Northeast, and remote parts of Rajasthan. “Justice must reach the last citizen. Unless people are aware of their rights, those rights are meaningless. Judges and lawyers must work together to ensure this awareness,” he added.
Reflecting on the vision of the Constitution’s chief architect, Babasaheb Dr. B R Ambedkar, Justice Gavai reminded the gathering of the fundamental promise of justice — political, social, and economic. He also highlighted the challenges posed by social compartmentalisation and called for renewed commitment from the legal community to uphold constitutional values.
CJI Gavai concluded with a strong message: “The legal fraternity must dedicate itself to the spirit of the Constitution, ensuring justice not just in letter, but in its truest essence. Our collective efforts can help rebuild not just the legal landscape, but also the social fabric of Kashmir.”
