New Delhi: The Vice-President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, welcomed the President’s assent to three new criminal code bills, stating that these new laws have unshackled the Indian Criminal Justice system from its colonial legacy. Praising the new laws for focusing on justice rather than punishment, he described it as a monumental and revolutionary change, transforming the ‘Dand’ Sanhita into the ‘Nyaya’ Sanhita.
The Vice President made these remarks while addressing a gathering during the release of a special Indian Postal Cover commemorating the 100th anniversary of the late Justice Konda Madhav Reddy, former Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh and Bombay High Courts, and former Governor of Maharashtra.
Observing that the central message of late Justice Konda Madhav Reddy’s life was an inclusive society, the Vice President said that we must live by values and create values. “He was a contributor to several important judgments that shaped Indian history and discourse,” the VP added.
Referring to Justice Reddy’s agricultural roots, Dhankhar said, “Being a Kisan Putra myself, I am inspired by Justice Reddy’s efforts to alleviate rural struggles through his judgments. He gave a voice to those who were believed to be voiceless.”
As we approach the centenary of our Independence in 2047, VP underlined that we must remember the ideals advocated and emphasized by Justice Reddy – service, justice, and compassion, as these must form the bedrock of an inclusive society and a vibrant democracy. We must continue to believe in them and practice them.
Dhankhar said, “Our Amrit Kaal is our Gaurav Kaal – for we are laying the firm foundations for a developed Bharat, to reclaim the glory that had made ours the leading nation for many centuries.”
Referring to recent affirmative changes in India’s legal landscape, such as digitization of courts and the establishment of Commercial Courts, the VP expressed confidence that these will have a tremendous positive impact on the progress and welfare of the nation. “What is further noteworthy is that under the current Chief Justice of India, the Supreme Court has taken several critical steps, including bringing justice to people in their own language,” he added.
The Vice President highlighted that the face of Bharat we are witnessing today is markedly different from what we have seen even a decade ago. “Just a decade ago, we were part of the Fragile Five; now we are the 5th largest economy in the world and on the way to becoming the 3rd largest global economy,” he added.
He also praised the passing of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, stating that it marks a long-overdue measure that will give women their rightful space in our democracy.
Referring to the grand success of the G-20 summit in New Delhi, the VP said the admission of the African Union in G20 under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi is a historic development that indicates the global rise of Bharat.
Expressing happiness over India being at the forefront of developing the latest disruptive technologies, Dhankhar urged corporates and universities to grab the opportunity and invest in research and development of such disruptive technologies. It is critical for our national security, he observed.
In his address, VP also cautioned against the tendency when some informed mind, a knowledgeable person trades on the ignorance of others to gain political equity.
Congratulating the Department of Posts and Ministry of Communications for their opportune initiative and impeccable aesthetics in the design, the VP praised the Department of Post for being a salient record-keeper of India’s inspirational and motivational legends. He expressed hope that Justice Konda Madhava Reddy’s life and work will continue to guide and inspire the young minds of today in creating a better and stronger nation as we come together to mould the nation of our dreams by 2047.
Dr. Sudesh Dhankhar, Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan, the Governor of Telangana, Alok Aradhe, the Chief Justice of Telangana, K. Vishweshwar Reddy, Former Member of Parliament & Founder Trustee, JKMR Foundation, Justice B. Sudershan Reddy, Former Judge, Supreme Court of India, PVS Reddy, Chief Postmaster General, Telangana Circle, and other dignitaries were present.