Constitution meant for every citizen; every individual must be made aware of rights, duties: CJI NV Ramana

The Constitution of India is meant for every citizen and every individual must be made aware of their rights and duties, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana said on Sunday..A constitutional republic shall only thrive when its citizens are aware of what their Constitution lays down and it is the collective duty of legal fraternity to promote the constitutional culture and raise awareness, he added.He, however, lamented that the knowledge of the Constitution has been limited to law students, legal practitioners, and a very small segment of the Indian population."The sad reality is that the supreme document which defines the aspirations of modern independent India is confined to the knowledge of law students, legal practitioners, and a very small segment of the Indian population," he stated..He was speaking at the 5th Convocation ceremony at the Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur. In his address, CJI Ramana urged the newly enrolled law graduates to endeavor to explain constitutional provisions in simpler terms to the common citizens so as to enable them to assimilate its ethos. "You have been trained to weigh the equities. In the world of rising inequities, we need your help in bridging the gaps. You must be active members of your communities and be the voice for the voiceless. You must be the beacon of social justice. I would also like to take this opportunity to request all of you to use the skills you have learnt in the University to further the goals of justice. The most vulnerable are often the victims of human rights violations, either by the State or by anti-social elements. As young advocates, you are best placed to strongly oppose the same through legal action," he added. CJI Ramana further asked the law graduates to take up as many pro-bono cases as possible in their early years of practice."Now that you are entering the profession, I urge you all to take up as many pro-bono cases as possible. In his autobiography, Justice Hidayatullah states that as a young barrister, getting clients was difficult and slow. For every case that he got paid, he was taking up three free cases. His practice was built slowly but steadily. Through his hard work, he established a credible reputation in the bar and the society. There cannot be any better example to emulate in your profession," CJI said..A lawyer needs to be an all-rounder, a leader and a changemaker.CJI NV Ramana.The CJI further told the law graduates that in their race for material wealth, they should not forget the power of change that lies within them and must never let any misinformation and deceit, cloud their mind and thought."Do not think in traditional ways. Start thinking out of box. Knowledge and information are the biggest assets one can possess," he said.Such innovative thinking may invite criticism but they should not be bothered by such criticism, the CJI added..He also had a word of advice for them."A lawyer must be capable of dealing with a simple civil suit as well as disputes relating to intellectual property right, from issues of constitutional importance to IT related crimes. Your clients may expect you to be aware about different facets of business, society or even sports. A lawyer needs to be an allrounder, a leader and a changemaker," the CJI stated..[Read Full speech]