By OUR STAFF REPORTER
DEHRADUN, 2 Feb: A National Seminar on the Topic “Constitution and Future of India was organized at Law College Dehradun, Faculty of Uttaranchal University. Former Judge of Supreme Court of India, Justice Markandey Katju was the chief guest and speaker on the occasion. About 400 participants from reputed Indian universities and colleges participated in the seminar. Students of Mass media and Journalism of Uttaranchal University were also present on the occasion. Lakhs of followers of Justice Katju watched him live on the facebook.
The programme was inaugurated by the guest with the lighting of the auspicious lamp. At the outset, winners of the essay competition on the same topic were declared and rewarded with prizes.
Divyanshu Chaudhary of National Law School, Delhi won the first prize while Mohit Panchal of National law School, Ranchi and Anna Anupriya of Law College Dehradun won the second and third prize respectively.
Principal of the college, Dr. Rajesh Bahuguna stated that as per the educational policy of Uttaranchal University, legal and subject experts from the country and abroad are being invited to benefit and enrich the knowledge of the students of the university.
Justice, Markandey Katju, known for his radical opinion, was in his full elements while addressing the gathering. He remarked that the constitution of India is hollow and needs to be replaced by a new one. “Our constitution imposes western values over a backward and semi-feudal society. It has many discrepancies and we need a revolution to change this,” he stated. He criticized our electoral system and declared directive principles of state policy virtually ineffective as wealth of the country is concentrated in the hands of 7% of the population. He exposed the hollowness of right to freedom of speech and press and expressed concern over the plight of farmers and rising unemployment. Speaking on the future of India, Justice Katju equated the present situation with that of later Mughals during the eighteenth century. He maintained that situation would remain turbulent for the next 10 – 15 years.
After the conclusion of his speech, Justice Katju took questions from students, teachers and journalist in an open session. Questions related to social justice, reservation, religion, democracy, judiciary, role of media, uniform civil code, alternate dispute resolution, conduct of judges, cow, mob-lynching etc. were asked. He replied to the questions in his well-known fearless style.
Those present on the occasion were University Chancellor Jitender Joshi, Vice Chancellor Dr. N.K. Joshi, Principal of Law College Dr. Rajesh Bahuguna, Dr. Abhishek Joshi, Rajeev Sharma, Registrar Ajai Singh, Dr. Mukesh Bora, Dr. Poonam Rawat, Kumar Ashutosh, Smiriti Uniyal, Ved Prakesh, S. Anand, Kuljeet Singh, Dr. Anil Dixit and hundreds of students.
