Indian Constitution first across the world to reflect the ideals of human rights: Justice Arun Mishra

Calling India a socialist, secular, democratic republic, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Justice Arun Mishra, on Tuesday said that the Constitution of the country was the first to reflect the ideals of human rights.

Delivering the 16th Dr. Ambedkar Memorial Lecture at the Indian Institute of Public Administration, New Delhi, Justice Mishra said the Indian Constitution was also the first Constitution in the world to bifurcate the justiciable (civil and political rights as Fundamental Rights) and non-justiciable (economic, social and cultural rights as Directive Principles of State Policy) rights.

Speaking on “Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s Vision and Legacy for Shaping Viksit Bharat @ 2047”, he said the Indian Constitution was also the first Constitution in the World to bifurcate between the justiciable (civil and political rights as Fundamental Rights) and non-justiciable (economic, social and cultural rights as Directive Principles of State Policy).

He said Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar was the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. He had extensive knowledge of global constitutions. He was a towering figure in India’s freedom struggle. His vision offer significant insights for shaping Viksit Bharat by 2047, which marks the centenary of India’s independence. The 133rd anniversary of his birth commemorated the moral force that drove the immortal spirit.

Dr. Ambedkar fought for creating a just homogenous society in a diverse country like India with liberty, equality, and fraternity as cherished value.

He said Ambedkar’s newspaper, “Prabuddh Bharat” indicated his rationality, science, and equitable social relations.

Ambedkar aimed to dismantle the oppressive caste system and uplift the marginalized sections of society. Self-respect and dignity which is part of right to life in Article 21. He fought for individual upliftment regardless of social status, noted Justice Mishra.

He said Dr. Ambedkar forcefully argued adoption of family planning as a national policy to address demographic challenges. He envisaged economic development, social justice, labour and agricultural reforms. He played an instrumental role in establishing monetary institutions like the Reserve Bank of India. He visualised the  importance of water resource management and was catalyst for river valley projects, added Justice Mishra.

He said Dr Ambedkar envisaged economic development, social justice, labour and agricultural reforms. He played instrumental role in establishing monetary institutions like the Reserve Bank of India. He visualized importance of water resource management and was catalyst for river valley projects.