Nagpur, Jun 28, 2025: Chief Justice of India B. R. Gavai on Saturday said Dr. B. R. Ambedkar never supported the idea of separate constitutions for different states, and firmly believed in a single Constitution to preserve the unity of India.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Constitution Preamble Park in Nagpur, CJI Gavai reflected on the Supreme Court’s 2023 verdict that upheld the abrogation of Article 370, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Gavai was part of the five-judge Constitution bench led by then CJI D. Y. Chandrachud that delivered the unanimous judgment.
“When Article 370 was challenged before us, I recalled Dr. Ambedkar’s words — that a single Constitution is essential for a united India,” CJI Gavai said. “He never supported the idea of a separate Constitution for any one state.”
On August 5, 2019, the Centre revoked Article 370 and reorganized the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. Gavai said the Supreme Court drew strength from Ambedkar’s constitutional vision while upholding that historic decision.
Gavai also noted that Ambedkar was once criticized for allegedly creating a Constitution with excessive federalism, which some feared could weaken national unity in times of conflict. But Ambedkar had firmly responded that the Constitution would withstand all challenges and keep India united.
“Look at the state of our neighbours — Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka. Despite facing internal and external threats, India has always stood united,” the Chief Justice remarked.
Gadkari, Fadnavis Also Speak
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, also present at the event, praised CJI Gavai for inaugurating the park and unveiling a statue of Dr. Ambedkar. “Freedom, equality, and fraternity — these were Ambedkar’s gifts to the nation through the Constitution,” he said, adding that the four pillars of democracy—executive, judiciary, legislature, and media—have been clearly defined in the Constitution.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis lauded CJI Gavai’s leadership and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to constitutional values. He announced that the government has decided to introduce the Preamble in every school across the state as part of the Amrit Mahotsav of the Constitution.
“If we embrace the values enshrined in the Preamble, we can solve nearly 90 per cent of the country’s problems,” Fadnavis said.
