Senior-most Supreme Court judge Justice Vikram Nath on Wednesday described the Indian Constitution as far more than a legal text, calling it a “living promise” that guides, steadies, and continually shapes the nation. Speaking at a ceremony organised by the Supreme Court to mark Constitution Day, he underscored the transformative and enduring nature of the country’s foundational document, which he said functions both as a compass and an anchor in a nation as diverse and complex as India.

Addressing an audience that included President Droupadi Murmu, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Attorney General R Venkataramani, Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Vikas Singh, Justice Nath said the Constitution embodies the values and aspirations that continue to drive India’s pursuit of justice, pluralism, and democratic governance.

He emphasized that Constitution Day is not a ceremonial observance but a reaffirmation of shared ideals such as individual dignity, national unity, and the continual evolution of institutions. “Our Constitution is not merely a legal document; it is a living promise,” he said, noting that it has allowed India to adapt to new challenges and generational shifts while remaining grounded in its fundamental principles. The stability it offers institutions, along with its protection of the most vulnerable, is, according to him, a testament to its enduring relevance.

Justice Nath highlighted the Supreme Court’s own responsibility in this constitutional framework. He said the Court remains firmly rooted in the Constitution, and its interpretative role is undertaken with humility and awareness of the real-world impact judicial decisions have on millions of citizens.

During the event, SCBA president Vikas Singh drew attention to the need for greater transparency, accountability, and gender diversity in judicial appointments. He observed that despite women forming nearly 48 percent of India’s population and excelling across professional spheres, their representation in the judiciary remains disproportionately low. “Currently, only one out of the 33 judges of the Supreme Court is a woman. Women comprise approximately 13 percent of high court judges and 35 percent of the district court,” he said.

Singh urged the judiciary and government to establish measurable targets for improving gender representation by 2030—aiming for 25 percent women in the Supreme Court, 30 percent in high courts, and 50 percent in the district judiciary. He stressed that public trust, the “bedrock” of the justice system, is built on the fairness and integrity of those who serve on the bench.

BCI Chairman Manan Kumar Mishra spoke about the historical role of lawyers as custodians of constitutional values. He, however, acknowledged structural challenges within the profession, particularly for lawyers from middle-class backgrounds who struggle to access senior briefs and opportunities. This, he said, highlights an imbalance that requires systemic reforms to ensure equal growth and representation within the legal fraternity.

In his remarks, Attorney General R Venkataramani said India is well poised to emerge as a global hub for mediation and arbitration. He noted that the country stands at the cusp of a new era—marked by unprecedented technological advancements and an expanded understanding of freedom and equality. Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence in the Constitution’s resilience and the robustness of India’s governance systems to navigate the evolving landscape.

The event also highlighted the historical significance of November 26. Constitution Day, observed since 2015, commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly in 1949. The day was previously celebrated as Law Day before the government re-designated it to honour the nation’s constitutional legacy and its continuing relevance.

The ceremony served not only as a homage to India’s constitutional structure but also as a platform for introspection on the evolving needs of the judiciary, the legal profession, and the nation at large. Justice Nath’s description of the Constitution as a “living promise” encapsulated both its transformative vision and its enduring responsibility in shaping India’s democratic future.