The CJI in his speech also touched upon how advocates are confronted with the intersection of liberty, identity and the role of State to limit the same.

He said that it is important to understand the limitations of the historical understanding of liberty as being that of mere absence of State interference in individual actions and decisions.

He explained this by giving the example of tribal communities for whom the idea of liberty is rooted in territoriality, and whose rights to governance over their lands encapsulates their assertions in the face of discrimination.

The CJI also stated that no knowledge can be neutral or objective.

"No knowledge is ideologically neutral and is contingent on objects of power. We see our own transforming idea of liberty."

For the removal of underlying systemic discriminations in our society, we need to ensure that people are not boxed into different identities, he said.

The CJI also highlighted the difficulties faced by disabled persons in India.

"People with disabilities are forced to get a certificate for entitlements. This has led to problem of the State devising benchmarks, leading many to lose out [on admissions, benefits/schemes] rather than fixing our overall physical infrastructure. It has led to notion that they need rescue rather than us needing to introspect," he said.

Only removal of systemic barriers can end deprivation of liberty, he said.

"People like me who wear glasses are not considered disabled as glasses are widely available. No deprivation of life opportunities for such people. It is our duty to remember liberty as removal of systemic barriers and inequalities. Self identities should become benign distinctions that do not lead to discrimination."

Former CJI UU Lalit accepts invitation to join NUJS Kolkata as Visiting Professor