Respect every religion, bring true secularism: J&K High Court Justice Sanjeev Kumar on Constitution Day

Secularism must be understood strictly through the constitutional framework and not through individual or locally-shaped interpretations, Jammu and Kashmir High Court Justice Sanjeev Kumar said on the occasion of Constitution Day.

Secularism must be understood in the context of the Constitution through its fundamental rights and directive principles and not through individual or distorted interpretations, he said.

He also stressed on the importance of brotherhood and harmony between various religions.

“Let us live together, let us respect each other, let us respect each other's religion and bring true secularism to this country,” Justice Kumar said.

Speaking to the media, he recalled that on November 26, 1949, the people of India gave themselves “a beautiful document known as the Constitution of India,” with the Preamble capturing its very essence.

Reading the Preamble today is meant to remind citizens of the core values the framers embedded in it and to renew the collective resolve to uphold them, he said.

Justice Kumar also stated the day serves as an important moment to collectively read and reflect upon the Preamble so that “the values enshrined in it are recollected” and citizens once again resolve to follow the path laid down by the Constitution’s framers.

He concluded by appealing to the people to uphold harmony and unity.