Shillong, November 26: The High Court of Meghalaya and the Meghalaya State Judicial Academy, in collaboration with the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, today organised a day-long programme to mark the Constitution Day. The event, held at the High Court Auditorium, was themed “The Constitution as a Mirror Reflecting All Abilities.”
Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice of the High Court of Meghalaya Justice Soumen Sen said Constitution Day is “not merely a ceremonial observance” but a moment for every citizen to reflect on the ideals that shaped the Republic of India. He reminded the audience of the foundational values, justice, liberty, equality and fraternity embedded by the framers of the Constitution, noting that these ideals continue to evolve with society.
Justice Sen underscored the significance of the Preamble, describing it as “a key to open the mind of the makers.” He stressed that the Preamble is not ornamental but a guiding force meant to translate constitutional ideals into actionable principles achieving the Constitution’s golden goals, he said.
He highlighted that the Constitution aims to build a society rooted in social, economic and political justice, echoing Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s belief that “political democracy cannot last unless there lies at the base of a social democracy.”As India strives to view the Constitution as a mirror reflecting all abilities, Justice Sen said it must reflect the dignity, diversity and rights of persons with disabilities.
He also said persons with disabilities must be fully included in all spheres of education, employment, public and digital spaces and democratic processes. Their rights, he stated, are not privileges but inherent constitutional guarantees. He highlighted the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 as a key legislative embodiment of constitutional equality and dignity. The Act, rooted in Articles 14, 19 and 21, expands disability categories, mandates inclusive education, ensures a 4% job reservation in government services, and requires accessible infrastructure and digital environments.
Delivering his address, Justice H.S. Thangkhiew described the theme of the celebration as deeply reflective, likening the Preamble to the ethical and philosophical mirror of the Constitution. He revisited its origins, beginning with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s Objectives Resolution in 1946, which laid the foundation for sovereignty, liberty, equality, justice and fraternity.
Justice Thangkhiew emphasised that the judiciary has played a crucial role in expanding the meaning of equality and dignity through progressive interpretations, ensuring accessibility, reasonable accommodation and non-discrimination for all citizens.
He urged everyone to uphold the spirit of the Constitution and work towards building an inclusive India where every individual—regardless of ability—feels valued, respected and supported. He called for collective efforts to ensure that the constitutional mirror reflects justice, equality and fraternity in their most inclusive form.
Also present on the occasion were Justice Wanlura Diengdoh, Justice Biswadeep Bhattacharjee, officials from the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, police personnel and other dignitaries.
The programme also featured a technical session based on the themes “Equal Before the Law: Advancing Disability Rights within India’s Disability Rights and Constitutional Framework” and “Law for Everyone: Building Access and Inclusion.” The session was led by Rahul Bajaj, Advocate at the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court of India, and Co-Founder of Mission Accessibility.
This was followed by a presentation on best practices adopted in Meghalaya by B. Warshong, Deputy Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities. The event also included a testimonial segment titled “Barriers and Breakthroughs: Lived Experiences from the Field” delivered by Shri Larikyrpang Nongrum.
After the technical session, an interactive discussion was held with the participants.
