New Delhi: Underlining the “unifying role” of the Indian judiciary, Justice Surya Kant said that the institution, while sustaining the democratic character of the nation, anchored people, both at home and abroad.
The Supreme Court judge, who will take over as the Chief Justice of India in November this year, was speaking at an event organised by the Washington Telangana Association in Redmond, Washington.
Addressing a gathering, including business and community leaders from states such as Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, among others, Justice Surya Kant touched upon the crucial role of the Indian judiciary in resolving unique challenges faced by the diaspora.
The battles ranged from property and inheritance disputes to family law matters such as custody and matrimonial issues, Justice Surya Kant said. As an interpreter and guardian of the Constitution, the judiciary always upheld principles of fraternity, equality, and human dignity—elements central to Indian democracy—even in matters affecting Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), he added.
The sense of continuity remained “especially meaningful in the lives of NRIs, whose ties to India often involve not just emotional and cultural bonds, but also legal and familial”, explained Justice Surya Kant.
He said the constant endeavours of the Indian judiciary to reassure, affirm, and protect values dear to the Indian diaspora made it a “source of pride”, reaffirming the values within the constitutional order in India.
Appreciating the Indian diaspora not only for its international success but also for its promotion of cultural heritage, Justice Surya Kant underscored that “this shared heritage is not only preserved through culture and community but also through the enduring institutions that uphold our democratic values”.
“As we reflect on what binds us together—across states, professions, and continents—it becomes clear that our strength lies in the values we carry and the institutions that uphold them,” Justice Surya Kant said. “Whether through community associations abroad or constitutional guardians at home, the Indian identity remains resilient because it is both lived and protected. It thrives not only in our languages and festivals but also in our collective commitment to justice, dignity, and mutual respect. These are the ideals that shape not just who we are but who we continue to become—no matter where we live.”
Explaining how the constitutional framework has strengthened Indian traditions and safeguarded principles underpinning the Indian identity—justice, equity, and inclusivity—Justice Surya Kant highlighted the pragmatic approach of institutions in giving meaning to values, which are no longer just symbolic or confined to ceremonies.
Among these institutions, “the judiciary stands out as a pillar that continues to reflect and reinforce the spirit of India, both within its borders and across the global Indian diaspora”, he said.
(Edited by Madhurita Goswami)
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