Empowering Impact of Constitution on Untouchables: CJI Gavai Highlights Historic Transformation at Oxford Union

A Historic Address on Untouchables and Constitutional Empowerment

In a powerful and thought-provoking address at the Oxford Union on June 11, 2025, Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud Gavai highlighted the empowering impact of Constitution on untouchables, stressing how India’s supreme legal document transformed one of the most marginalized communities into equal citizens of the country.

The event was attended by scholars, students, and legal experts from around the globe, and it served as a significant platform to reflect on India’s progress in dismantling centuries of caste-based inequality.

Constitution’s Role in Transforming the Status of Untouchables

CJI Gavai underscored that the Constitution of India did not merely serve as a legal charter but acted as a transformative instrument, especially for the Dalit community — historically known as untouchables. “The Constitution gave us dignity, voice, and an equal footing. For people like me, who hail from the community once known as untouchables, it changed the trajectory of our lives,” said Justice Gavai.

He called attention to the empowering impact of Constitution on untouchables, which outlawed untouchability under Article 17 and laid the foundation for social justice through affirmative action, fundamental rights, and the right to equality.

A Personal Reflection by India’s First Dalit Chief Justice

Being only the second Dalit to hold the prestigious office of Chief Justice of India, Gavai’s words carried both institutional authority and personal experience. He candidly shared how the legal provisions of the Indian Constitution opened doors that were once tightly shut for his community.

“The journey from being regarded as untouchable to holding the highest position in the Indian judiciary is not just my personal story—it is a testament to the empowering impact of Constitution on untouchables,” he stated.

Bridging Inequality Through Constitutional Mandate

CJI Gavai argued that while legal frameworks alone cannot eradicate deep-rooted social discrimination, they provide a crucial starting point. He emphasized that the judiciary has played a vital role in interpreting the Constitution in ways that reinforce equality and protect the rights of the marginalized.

“The Constitution, with its clear stand against caste discrimination, has compelled state institutions to act in the direction of social justice,” he explained, once again underlining the empowering impact of Constitution on untouchables.

Global Recognition of India’s Democratic Ethos

The speech was well-received by the Oxford Union audience, many of whom appreciated the depth and sincerity of CJI Gavai’s remarks. His address not only shed light on India’s efforts toward social inclusion but also sparked discussions on how constitutional frameworks can be used globally to combat systemic discrimination.

Legal experts noted that Gavai’s perspective offered valuable insights into how a developing democracy like India utilizes its Constitution to empower historically oppressed communities. The empowering impact of Constitution on untouchables was presented not just as a national achievement, but as a model worth studying internationally.

Challenges Ahead Despite Constitutional Empowerment

However, Justice Gavai also acknowledged the existing challenges. “Despite constitutional guarantees, untouchability in subtle and overt forms still exists in various parts of India,” he said. He called for continued vigilance, policy commitment, and community-level change to fully realize the transformative vision of the Constitution.

He urged young legal minds and policy makers to carry forward the torch of justice, ensuring that the empowering impact of Constitution on untouchables becomes a lived reality for every marginalized individual in India.

Conclusion: A Call for Constitutional Vigilance and Social Reform

CJI Gavai’s address at the Oxford Union stands as a strong reminder of the moral and legal force embedded in India’s Constitution. His personal journey from a background of caste-based discrimination to becoming the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court is a powerful symbol of the empowering impact of Constitution on untouchables.

In a world grappling with inequalities of all kinds, Gavai’s words resonate beyond Indian borders—affirming that true democracy begins with recognizing the inherent dignity and equality of every individual.