Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution as a landmark step towards constitutional integration in India. Speaking at the concluding ceremony of the Rajasthan High Court’s platinum jubilee celebrations in Jodhpur, Modi also defended the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), describing it as a “humane law” that aligns with the nation’s interests and upholds judicial principles.
“Abrogation of Article 370 is an example of constitutional integration. An example of a humane law such as CAA is in front of us. On issues such as these, in the national interest, usual justice is something that our court judgements explicitly state. From lower to Supreme Court, on issues such as this, a nation-first principle has been adopted,” Modi remarked, emphasizing the legal and moral foundation behind these decisions.
The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, which revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, has been a contentious issue, with debates centered around its impact on federalism and regional autonomy. However, Modi’s reference to it as an example of constitutional integration underscores the government’s stance that this move was essential for the unification of India under a single constitutional framework.
In his speech, Modi also addressed the CAA, a law passed in 2019 that grants citizenship to persecuted religious minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. The law has faced significant opposition, with critics arguing that it discriminates on the basis of religion. However, Modi described the CAA as a compassionate measure designed to protect vulnerable communities, aligning with India’s long-standing tradition of offering refuge to those in need.
Modi also used the occasion to discuss broader reforms in India’s justice delivery system, which he argued are necessary to ensure greater access to justice for all citizens. He pointed out the complexities in legal procedures that often hinder justice and advocated for their simplification.
“Access to justice is always simple and straight, but procedures complicate it. We should strive to simplify it. We have completely repealed all colonial laws. After so many years of independence, we adopted the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in place of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Justice in place of penalty is the core thought behind Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. BNS frees us from the shackles of colonialism,” Modi asserted.
The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaces the IPC, represents a significant shift from colonial-era legal frameworks to a system more aligned with India’s contemporary values and principles. Modi emphasized that the new code prioritizes justice over punishment, reflecting a more humane approach to law enforcement.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the strides made in modernizing India’s judiciary, noting that over 18,000 courts across the country have been computerized, and more than 3,000 court complexes and 1,200 jails have been equipped with video conferencing facilities. These technological advancements are part of the government’s broader efforts to make the judicial system more efficient and accessible.
Finally, Modi reiterated his support for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), a topic he had addressed earlier on August 15. He stressed that the government’s stance on the UCC is consistent with long-standing judicial advocacy and is crucial for reinforcing public trust in the judiciary.
Modi’s speech in Jodhpur thus highlighted his government’s commitment to constitutional integration, legal reforms, and modernization of the judiciary, positioning these efforts as essential steps towards building a more unified and just India.