President Unveils Dr. Ambedkar Statue At Supreme Court On Constitution Day

In a significant moment on Constitution Day, President Droupadi Murmu unveiled a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at the Supreme Court of India. The ceremony, attended by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, and other dignitaries, marked a tribute to the architect of the Indian Constitution.

The decision to install Dr. Ambedkar's statue at the Supreme Court originated from a request by a group of lawyers aligned with the Ambedkarite movement. Last December, they addressed a letter to Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, expressing their desire for a statue on the Supreme Court's lawns. In September, the Supreme Court Arguing Counsel Association reiterated this request.

President Murmu's unveiling of the statue underscores the enduring legacy of Dr. Ambedkar and his pivotal role in shaping India's constitutional framework. The ceremony aligns with the commitment to honor his contributions to the nation.

However, it's noteworthy that the Madras High Court, in a decision last April, restricted the display of photos, statues, or portraits in Tamil Nadu courts of Mahatma Gandhi and Saint Thiruvalluvar. Despite requests from advocate associations, the Court declined to include Dr. Ambedkar.

The subsequent state government's announcement on July 25 maintained the status quo, allowing the existing statues and portraits of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to remain in place. The unveiling at the Supreme Court now stands as a momentous addition, symbolizing the recognition and respect accorded to Dr. Ambedkar's legacy within the judiciary on Constitution Day.

Author: Anushka Taraniya

News Writer, MIT ADT University