From Naxal violence to symbol of prosperity and security, Chhattisgarh's journey inspiring: PM Modi
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Raipur (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said Chhattisgarh's journey in the last 25 years has been an inspiring one as it has now emerged as a symbol of prosperity, security and stability although it was earlier identified with Naxal violence and backwardness.
He also said that a legislative assembly is not merely a place for framing laws but a vibrant centre for shaping the state's destiny.
Speaking after inaugurating the new Chhattisgarh legislative assembly building in Nava Raipur Atal Nagar, PM Modi said every thought emerging from the assembly should reflect the spirit of public service, a commitment to development, and confidence in taking India to greater heights.
"The true significance of the new assembly building's inauguration lies in our collective resolve to perform our duties with sincerity and uphold the spirit of democracy," he said.
All of us need to remember that this legislative assembly is not just a place for making laws, but a vibrant centre and a powerful force in shaping the destiny of Chhattisgarh. Therefore, we must ensure that every idea emanating from here reflects the spirit of public service, the resolve for development, and the belief in taking India to new heights, he said.
We have to build an India, lay the foundation of a Chhattisgarh that can move forward on the path of development while remaining connected to its heritage. 'Nagrik Devo Bhava' (Citizen is God) is the mantra of our good governance, he said.
Laws should be made here that accelerate reforms, making people's lives easier and removing unnecessary government interference from their lives. There should be neither a lack of government presence nor unnecessary influence, he said.
The PM also highlighted India's success in combating terrorism and left-wing extremism, saying, "India has broken the backbone of terrorists. Now Chhattisgarh too is moving towards becoming free of the Maoist violence."
"In the past 25 years, Chhattisgarh has witnessed an inspiring journey, from being known for Naxal violence and backwardness to emerging as a symbol of prosperity, security, and stability. The development wave and smiles have reached the Naxal-affected areas," he said.
He credited this transformation to the hard work of the people of Chhattisgarh and the visionary leadership of successive BJP governments.
India is the mother of democracy. The sacred Sengol (sceptre) inspires Parliament and galleries of the new Parliament connect the world to the legacy of India's democracy, the prime minister noted.
India is moving forward by taking heritage and development together, and this sentiment is evident in every policy and decision of the government, he added.
PM Modi said that Chhattisgarh's 25th anniversary of foundation day celebrations mark the beginning of a larger goal.
By 2047, when India celebrates 100 years of independence, Chhattisgarh will play a crucial role in achieving the vision of a developed India, he said.
Earlier, he unveiled a statue of former prime minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee on the premises of the newly built Assembly.
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Deep societal faultlines persist despite 75 years of independence: Justice Ujjal Bhuyan
Judge cites denial of home to Muslim girl, opposition to Dalit women cooking mid-day meals
Hyderabad, February 23, 2026: Supreme Court judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan has said that despite repeated affirmations of constitutional morality by courts, deep societal faultlines rooted in caste and religious discrimination continue to shape everyday realities in India.
Speaking at a seminar on “Constitutional Morality and the Role of District Judiciary” organised by the Telangana Judges Association and the Telangana State Judicial Academy in Hyderabad, Justice Bhuyan reflected on the gap between constitutional ideals and social practices.
He cited a recent instance involving his daughter’s friend, a PhD scholar at a private university in Noida, who was denied accommodation in South Delhi after her surname revealed her Muslim identity. According to Justice Bhuyan, the landlady bluntly informed her that no accommodation was available once her religious background became known.
In another example from Odisha, he referred to resistance by some parents to the government’s mid-day meal programme because the food was prepared by Dalit women employed as cooks. He noted that some parents had objected aggressively and refused to allow their children to consume meals cooked by members of the Scheduled Caste community.
Describing these incidents as “the tip of the iceberg,” Justice Bhuyan said they reveal how far society remains from the benchmark of constitutional morality even 75 years into the Republic. He observed that while the Constitution lays down standards of equality and dignity, the morality practised within homes and communities often diverges sharply from those values.
He emphasised that constitutional morality requires governance through the rule of law rather than the rule of popular opinion. Referring to the evolution of the doctrine through judicial decisions, he cited Naz Foundation v Union of India, in which the Delhi High Court read down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, holding that popular morality cannot restrict fundamental rights under Article 21. Though the judgment was later overturned in Suresh Kumar Koushal v Naz Foundation, the Supreme Court ultimately restored and expanded the principle in Navtej Singh Johar v Union of India, affirming that constitutional morality must prevail over majoritarian views.
“In our constitutional scheme, it is the constitutionality of the issue before the court that is relevant, not the dominant or popular view,” he said.
Justice Bhuyan also addressed the functioning of the district judiciary, underlining that trial courts are the first point of contact for most litigants and form the foundation of the justice delivery system. He stressed that due importance must be given to the recording of evidence and adjudication of bail matters.
Highlighting the role of High Courts, he said their supervisory jurisdiction under Article 227 of the Constitution is intended as a shield to correct grave jurisdictional errors, not as a mechanism to substitute the discretion or factual appreciation of trial judges.
He recalled that several distinguished judges, including Justice H R Khanna, Justice A M Ahmadi, and Justice Fathima Beevi, began their careers in the district judiciary.
On representation within the judicial system, Justice Bhuyan noted that Telangana has made significant strides in gender inclusion. Out of a sanctioned strength of 655 judicial officers in the Telangana Judicial Service, 478 are currently serving, of whom 283 are women, exceeding 50 per cent representation. He added that members of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minority communities, and persons with disabilities are also represented in the state’s judiciary.
He observed that greater representation of women, marginalised communities, persons with disabilities, and sexual minorities would help make the judiciary more inclusive and reflective of India’s diversity. “The judiciary must represent all the colours of the rainbow and become a rainbow institution,” he said.
Justice Bhuyan also referred to the recent restoration by the Supreme Court of the requirement of a minimum three years of practice at the Bar for entry-level judicial posts. While acknowledging that the requirement ensures practical exposure, he cautioned that its impact on women aspirants, especially those from rural or small-town backgrounds facing social and financial constraints, would need to be carefully observed over time.
Concluding his address, he reiterated that the justice system must strive to bridge the gap between constitutional ideals and lived realities, ensuring that the rule of law remains paramount.
