The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, today released the book “The Voice of Justice: Justice Gavai Speaks” at Uprashtrapati Bhavan. Edited by Prof. (Dr.) S. Sivakumar and published by Thomson Reuters in association with the Commonwealth Legal Education Association (C.L.E.A.), the volume brings together speeches, lectures and reflections of former Chief Justice of India, Justice B.R. Gavai.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President described the book as an important constitutional document reflecting judicial thought shaped by experience, constitutional discipline and public responsibility. He said the volume offers valuable insights into constitutionalism, rule of law, social justice and democratic governance, and would strengthen constitutional discourse and legal scholarship in Bharat.
Referring to the book's reflections on the Constitution, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said it rightly presents the Constitution of India as a living and evolving document that has balanced continuity with change, authority with accountability, and rights with duties over the past seventy-five years.
He observed that the Constitution remains the foundation of democratic stability and national unity, while Parliament's power to amend it enables the nation to meet the needs of changing times. The Vice-President said the judiciary occupies a vital place in preserving constitutional governance and safeguarding citizens' faith in the rule of law.
He noted that restraint is as important as authority in a constitutional democracy, and that both strong institutions and justice itself are sustained by institutional integrity, constitutional discipline, public trust and commitment to democratic values.
The Vice-President said constitutional governance must remain responsive to the aspirations of ordinary citizens and evolving social realities. He observed that empowering marginalised communities is essential to ensuring dignity, opportunity and hope for every individual.
Lauding Justice B.R. Gavai's contribution to the judiciary, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said his judicial journey reflects an abiding commitment to constitutional values, institutional balance and access to justice. Concluding his address, the Vice-President appealed to members of the legal fraternity to represent the poorest of the poor on a pro bono basis at regular intervals, so that justice is accessible to all.
The event was attended by the Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant; Judge, Supreme Court of India, Justice Vikram Nath; former Chief Justice of India, Justice B.R. Gavai; President and Editor of the Commonwealth Legal Education Association (C.L.E.A.), Prof. (Dr.) S. Sivakumar; Publisher, Thomson Reuters, Shri Gowri Shankar Natesan; and members of the legal fraternity.