Sustainable Development and Substantive Equality

Former Chief Justice of India, B.R. Gavai, addressed the need for a fundamental rethinking of governance models to address historical inequities, focusing on the relationship between development and equality within the Constitutional framework.

Key Themes from Justice Gavai's Lecture

• Constitutional Vision of Equality:
  • The Constitution's commitment to equality is transformative, not just formal.
  • Justice Gavai referenced B.R. Ambedkar's warning about the "life of contradictions," highlighting persistent inequalities undermining constitutional ideals.
• Challenges Faced by Marginalised Communities:
  • Structural inequalities exacerbate environmental and developmental challenges like drought and agrarian distress, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.
  • These issues are socially produced and not incidental.
• Sustainable Development Anchored in Social Justice:
  • Sustainable development must work to reduce vulnerability, redistribute access, and prioritize those most at risk.
  • Development frameworks should recognize unequal starting points and move beyond formally neutral policies.
• Role of Universities:
  • Universities should model constitutional values by promoting equality, improving conditions for workers, and ensuring basic amenities.

Justice Gavai emphasized that any development model leaving large sections of society behind cannot be sustainable. He called for reimagining governance to actively correct historical disadvantages and align development with the Constitution's transformative vision.

Justice Gavai accepted the position of Chair Professor at NALSAR in December 2025, marking his first visit in that capacity. He declined a salary, valuing association with Dr. Ambedkar's legacy over monetary compensation.