A special lecture was organized by the Office of Public Affairs of the Bahá’ís of India and Human Rights Defence International (HRDI) on 4 October 2024 at the Bahá’í House of Worship, New Delhi on the theme, ‘Law, Society, and Social Consciousness’. The lecture was delivered by the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, Mr. Manmohan. The Attorney General of India, Mr. R. Venkatramani, was the guest of honour at the event.
In his address, Justice Manmohan highlighted the deep connection between law, justice, and social consciousness, stressing that the role of the judiciary is not only to interpret the law but to ensure that it aligns with the evolving needs of society. He emphasized that the Constitution is a “living document” that allows flexibility for judges to adapt its provisions to contemporary issues. This adaptability, he explained, is vital to ensuring that justice is not only delivered but felt by the people it serves.
Justice Manmohan pointed out that many constitutional provisions, like Article 14 on equality before the law, are open to interpretation depending on the interpreter’s social consciousness. He stated, “It’s not just the letter of the law that you are dealing with. You have to infuse life in it.” He further elaborated that the integration of law and social awareness is essential for promoting the intent of the Constitution’s framers.
Using an analogy from his childhood art classes, he likened the interpretation of the Constitution to working with clay, where the outcome depends on one’s vision and creativity. He stressed that judges play a crucial role in shaping the Constitution to reflect societal changes, even when the text does not explicitly cover certain modern-day concerns, such as environmental protection or public health.
He emphasized that social consciousness is critical in judicial processes, particularly in cases requiring discretion, as it helps ensure justice that is socially sensitive and reflective of the ground realities of society. In her welcome address on the occasion, Ms. Nazneen Rowhani, Secretary General of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of India, highlighted the efforts of the Bahá’í community of India to address the pressing issue of today which is building a united India through a deep commitment to the oneness of humankind transcending ethnic, regional and religious divides. The evening concluded with a multi-faith prayer service with readings from various holy scriptures on the significance of unity in diversity.
