Published By : Admin |
February 6, 2021 | 11:06 IST
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Our judiciary has always interpreted the Constitution positively and strengthened it: PM Modi
Be it safeguarding the rights of people or any instance of national interest needed to be prioritised, judiciary has always performed its duty: PM
Namaskar,
The Law Minister of the country, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad ji, Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Vijay Rupani ji, Supreme Court Justice Shri M.R. Shah ji, Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court Shri Vikram Nath ji, Ministers of Gujarat Government, all honorable judges of Gujarat High Court, Solicitor General of India Shri Tushar Mehta ji, Advocate General of Gujarat Shri Kamal Trivedi ji, all respected members of Bar, ladies and gentlemen!
Congratulations to all of you on the occasion of the diamond jubilee of Gujarat High Court. In the last 60 years, both the Gujarat High Court and the Bar have made a unique identity with their legal understanding, erudition and intellectualism. The conscientiousness with which the Gujarat High Court has worked for truth and justice, the readiness that it has shown for its constitutional duties, has strengthened both the Indian judicial system and the democracy of India. A postage stamp has been released today to commemorate the memorable journey of the Gujarat High Court. I take this opportunity to convey my best wishes to all your Excellencies and to the people of Gujarat.
Excellencies, the responsibility given to the Legislature, Executive and Judiciary under our Constitution is like oxygen for our Constitution. Today, every countryman can say with satisfaction that our judiciary has firmly fulfilled its responsibility to protect the oxygen of the Constitution. Our judiciary has always strengthened the Constitution itself by making a constructive and positive interpretation of the Constitution. Whether it is the protection of the rights of the countrymen, or the private freedom, or the situations where the country's interests had to be accorded top priority, the judiciary has recognized and fulfilled these obligations.
You all know very well that the rule of law in Indian society has been the basis of our culture for centuries of civilization and social fabric. It is written in our ancient scriptures: 'न्यायमूलं सुराज्यं स्यात्' i.e., the root of good governance is in justice, the rule of law. This idea has also been part of our culture since time immemorial. The same mantra also gave moral strength to our freedom struggle and the same idea was put at the top of the Constitution by our founding fathers also. The Preamble to our Constitution is an expression of the same resolution of the rule of law. Today, every countryman is proud that our judiciary has always given strength and direction to this spirit of our Constitution and these values continuously.
This trust in the judiciary has instilled a confidence in the minds of our ordinary man and has given him the strength to stand up for the truth. And when we discuss the contribution of the judiciary towards the journey of the country since independence, it is also necessary to discuss the contribution of the Bar. This glorious heritage of our judicial system stands on the pillar of the Bar. For decades, the Bar and the judiciary have been fulfilling the fundamental objectives of justice in our country. The notion of justice that our Constitution has put forward, the ideals of justice that have been part of our Indian culture, that justice is the right of every Indian. Therefore, it is the responsibility of both the judiciary and the government to put together the world class justice system in the world's largest democracy. Our justice system should be something that is accessible to the person at the bottom of the society, where justice is guaranteed to every person and justice is guaranteed in time.
Today, like the judiciary, the Government is also making continuous efforts to fulfill its duties in this direction. The democracy of India and our judiciary have protected the right to justice of Indian citizens even in difficult times. We have seen a good example of this once again during the Corona global pandemic. During this calamity, if the country has exhibited its potential on the one hand, our judiciary has also presented an example of its dedication and devotion on the other hand. The way Gujarat High Court started hearings through video conferencing in the early days of the lockdown, the way services like SMS call-out, e-filing of cases, and 'Email My Case Status' were introduced, the court's display board started streaming on YouTube, every day judgments and orders were uploaded on the website, all of these have proved how adaptive our justice system is and how comprehensive is its efforts to provide justice.
I am told that the Gujarat High Court has also become the first court to live streaming court proceedings, and the concept of open court, which has been debated for a long time, has also been realized by the Gujarat High Court. It is a matter of satisfaction for us that the digital infrastructure that the Law Ministry developed under the e-Courts Integrated Mission Mode Project helped our courts to work as virtual courts in such a short time. The Digital India Mission is rapidly modernizing our justice system today.
More than 18,000 courts have been computerized in the country today. The e-proceeding has gained momentum in all courts since the Supreme Court granted legal sanctity to video conferencing and tele-conferencing. It is glorifying to hear that our Supreme Court has been crowned as the only court in the world which has heard the highest cases through video conferencing. Our high courts and district courts have also heard maximum cases through video conferencing during the Covid period. The e-filling facility of cases has also given a new dimension to ease of justice. Similarly, a Unique Identification Code and QR code is being given to every case by our courts today. This has not only made it easier to get all the information related to the case, but it has also laid a strong foundation for the National Judicial Data Grid. Lawyers and litigants can view all cases and orders with just a click through the National Judicial Data Grid. This ease of justice is not only improving the ease of living of our citizens, but it has also increased the ‘ease of doing business’ in the country. This has led to the confidence in the foreign investors that their judicial rights in India will be protected. The World Bank has also praised the National Judicial Data Grid in its Doing Business Report of 2018.
Excellencies,
The Supreme Court's e-committee is working closely with the NIC to ensure rapid growth of the ‘ease of justice’ in India in the days to come. Work is on to incorporate features like cloud based infrastructure along with formidable security. The possibilities of using Artificial Intelligence in judicial processes to make our justice system future ready are also being explored. Artificial Intelligence will also increase efficiency and speed of judiciary. The country's Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign is going to play a big role in these efforts.
India's own video conferencing platforms are also being encouraged under the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign. In order to reduce the digital divide in the country, e-service centres are also being opened in high courts and district courts to help the common people. We have all seen that in this difficult time of the pandemic, online e-lok adalats have also become a new normal. Incidentally, it was Gujarat where the first Lok Adalat was set up in Junagadh 35-40 years ago. Today, e-Lok Adalat is becoming a major medium of timely and convenient justice. So far lakhs of cases have been reported to e-lok adalats in 24 states of the country, and they are also being disposed of. This speed, facility and the confidence is the demand of our judicial system today.
Gujarat is also proud of its contribution on one more issue. Gujarat was the first state to start the tradition of the evening court and took many initiatives for the betterment of the poor. In any society, justice defines the significance of rules and policies. Justice brings certainty among the citizens, and a relaxed society thinks about progress, takes the resolutions and progresses by making efforts. I am sure our judiciary and all the senior members of the judiciary will continue to empower the judicial power of our Constitution. With this power of justice, our country will move forward and the dream of a self-reliant India will be realized through our efforts, collective power, willpower and from our continuous practice. With these good wishes, congratulations to all of you once again on the diamond jubilee! Many greetings!
India is not only a fast-growing economy, but also a credible one: PM Modi
June 22, 2026
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India is not only a fast-growing economy, but also a credible one: PM
Along with being a rising power, India is also a reliable power: PM
For India, Nation First is the highest guiding principle: PM
Maoist terror is breathing its last in India: PM
The shift in mindset from "this can never be done" to "this will be done" is India's greatest achievement: PM
The government is empowering the poor and middle-class: PM
The collective efforts of 140 crore Indians will realise the dream of a Viksit Bharat: PM
Swar Sadhana, Manokamana, Aradhana - after such an auspicious beginning, it would have been wonderful if your program had continued. Greetings to all of you.
I extend my regards to all viewers of Republic TV Network, which now broadcasts in many languages. I also welcome all companions who have come to participate in this summit. In 24-hour news channels, breaking news holds great importance. And nowadays, if you look anywhere in the world, the entire world seems to be in breaking news mode. Amidst such hustle and bustle, you are hosting and participating in this summit, and therefore you deserve special congratulations. This time, your theme of discussion is equally significant: Great Power India: Nation First.
Friends,
Our scriptures say: Yato Dharmastato Jayah! - meaning, the root of victory and strength is Dharma. And Dharma means duty, Dharma means justice, Dharma means equality, Dharma means dialogue, Dharma means compassion. This very essence is embedded in the spirit of Nation First. India views its power through this lens, weighing it on this scale.
Friends,
India has another unique quality, which the world has now acknowledged. We are not a nation that reacts hastily to momentary events. We are a nation that has witnessed both development and destruction, endured them as well. We are a nation with the memory chip of ages embedded in our consciousness - a nation with the memory chip of millennia. That is why what India is doing today - and I say this with full responsibility - what India is doing today will write the future of the next thousand years. This is India’s greatest guarantee to the world. India is not only a fast-growing economy, it is also a credible economy. Alongside being a rising power - and you even stretched the dictionary to call it a superpower - I would certainly say that India is a reliable power. Just a few days ago, I returned from the G7 Summit, and every leader, every country understands very well that for today’s India, Nation First is the greatest mantra, the highest principle.
Friends,
Just a few days ago, our government completed 12 years. Arnab even compelled you to clap for that. If you weigh the achievements of the past twelve years, you will find that at the core of every decision, every step, every effort lies the spirit of Nation First. From the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to Make in India, from emphasizing khadi to encouraging local products - all these initiatives succeeded because the people of the country placed the nation above all and fulfilled their duty. I salute the citizens of this country.
Friends,
Here with us is our companion, Shri Sridhar Vembu ji. When our entrepreneurs walk with the spirit of Nation First, when they set their goals by understanding the needs of the nation, institutions are built and the country prospers. I don’t know how much has been discussed here about Shri Vembu ji’s work, but recently I went to VivaTech in France. There were nearly 1.5 to 2 lakh young people there. As I and the President of France walked through different stalls to see the innovations of the youth, we came to the Zoho stall. I was astonished and filled with pride to see the crowd of European youth gathered there, eager to understand what this new creation was. Perhaps in India it is not discussed as much, but what I saw in France was remarkable. Congratulations to you.
Friends,
The impact of Nation First in government policy and decisions can be seen in our tribal regions. I am not here to deliver philosophy, but let me share a few light examples so you can understand how work happens. I speak of tribal areas - a population of more than 100 million, the tribal society. We all know that for decades, Maoist terror had entrenched itself there. Even in the 21st century, these terrorists did not allow a single facility to reach those areas. No government vehicle could pass through; they would be riddled with bullets. Many governments came and went, generations passed, and it seemed this misfortune of violence would remain forever. You can imagine - between 2004 and 2014, in those ten years, due to Maoist terror, more than 17,000 violent incidents occurred, and nearly 7,000 lives were lost.
Friends,
For you, today’s headline or half-hour TV debate might be that Maoist terrorism has ended. But things don’t happen like that. It requires immense effort, and that is why I want to explain. Nowadays, some people keep waving the Constitution, but when they were in government, in Naxal-affected areas, even uttering the word “Constitution” could get you shot. At that time, they sat silently, their hands trembling, unable to hold up the Constitution. The Congress was hardly affected by that painful situation.
Friends,
After 2014, we moved forward with the spirit of Nation First to change the situation. We did not just talk, we did not just announce, we acted. We resolved to uproot Naxalism-Maoism completely, and today the whole country can see the result. Maoist terrorism in India is now counting its final breaths.
And friends,
Often the final outcome is so vast and significant that the hard work behind it goes unnoticed. I want to especially tell Republic TV viewers about this.
Friends,
In those Naxal-affected areas where even going out in daylight would terrify ordinary people - fearing abduction, extortion, or looting - where even speaking of development was impossible, we advanced with a pledge of progress. In the past 12 years, our government has built more than 12,000 kilometers of roads in such regions. Many times, our construction equipment was burned, contractors were chased away. If 25 people worked on a road, 200 police personnel had to guard them so the work could continue. We did all this because we had resolved to do it.
Friends,
We built more than 9,500 mobile towers. Earlier, even one tower could not be installed, and if installed, it would be destroyed. Because they always wanted to fuel anger. We brought mobile connectivity to nearly 45,000 villages. In Naxal-affected districts, more than 1,800 bank branches were opened. Around 75,000 banking correspondents and more than 6,000 new post offices were established. We did not rely only on bombs, guns, and bullets, friends - we invested every ounce of strength given by God to win hearts.
Friends,
With firm resolve, we went into Naxal-affected areas to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of ordinary people. You will be astonished - a notorious Naxalite, with a bounty of crores on his head, his mother received a ration card from us for the first time. Her son never allowed her to get one, because he wanted to run his terror regime. There are countless such incidents. I was shocked. And the government of that time sat silently, blind to the Constitution. But the result of all these efforts was a new wave of trust among the people. Today, look at Bastar - instead of bombs and guns, Bastar Olympics are celebrated with great enthusiasm. Two editions have already been held. In the first, more than 1.5 lakh youth participated, and in the second, nearly 4 lakh youth joined. Where once there was terror, now talent is finding opportunity, and sports are flourishing.
Friends,
One of the greatest achievements of these 12 years of service has been building an India filled with hope and aspiration, rising out of despair.
Friends,
Naxalism may have been concentrated in certain areas, but its pain was felt across every corner of India. And when news began to spread that Naxalism was ending, the sense of trust was not limited to those affected regions - it spread across the entire nation. In the ten years before 2014, under the Congress government, the discontent was not only about governance. The despair was far deeper. The nation had lost hope. People felt nothing could change, nothing could improve.
Friends,
In the past 12 years, India has transformed despair into hope, and this gives me the greatest satisfaction. Today, everyone feels that with a little more effort, things can be achieved. Gone are the days when the only refrain was “It cannot happen, it cannot happen.” That era has passed. Today, the spirit is “It will happen.” This new confidence is India’s true achievement, and this is real power. Challenges remain, and they always will. Challenges are shape-shifters, appearing in new forms. But whatever form they take, we will fight and we will win. When the nation moves forward with the belief that “it can be done and we will do it,” dreams are fulfilled.
Friends,
I want to speak here about more than 100 districts and over 500 blocks in India. These were left behind on every parameter of development, and earlier governments had stamped them as “backward districts” and “backward areas.” We lifted these vast regions out of the despair of backwardness and ignited aspirations for development. First, we changed their identity. We said these are “aspirational districts,” these are “aspirational blocks.” We created programs for aspirational districts and aspirational blocks, and the government began working meticulously on every parameter of development. In each district, we identified three aspects to overcome, in others six aspects, and focused efforts began. Today, these aspirational districts and blocks are driving the overall growth of states. Earlier, they dragged growth backward. These districts had large populations living in poverty and deprivation. In recent years, 250 million poor people have defeated poverty, and aspirational districts have played a major role in this.
Friends,
We see that when one person is cured of illness, it is not just that individual who recovers - the whole family feels relief. Similarly, when a son or daughter achieves something, it is not just their achievement, but the entire family is filled with pride and confidence. In the same way, when someone rises out of poverty, the entire society benefits, the nation benefits. When 250 million people have come out of poverty and entered the neo-middle class, the benefit is not limited to those families. The middle class also gains, because these are new consumers who drive the economy, ultimately creating opportunities for the middle class. Thus, poverty reduction is not merely a matter of welfare - it is a story of expanding opportunities, a source of new aspirations.
Friends,
The vast middle class that has emerged in the country over the past 12 years has been a major priority for the government. For the ease of living of the middle class, the government has worked at every level. Take the dream of owning a home. Every middle-class family desires to have their own house. In 2014, if a family wanted to buy a home, home loans came with double-digit interest rates. Today, loans are available from banks at 7–8 percent interest. Earlier, getting a loan was like winning a war, requiring immense effort. Today, it is possible from the comfort of one’s home. Here in Delhi-NCR, people know how thousands of urban middle-class homes were stuck incomplete. Families had paid their life savings to builders, who showed glossy pamphlets and dreams, but the houses were never delivered. Families had to pay rent while waiting endlessly for their homes. It was a terrible situation. To complete these stalled projects, we created a special fund of ₹25,000 crore. You will be glad to know that nearly 60,000 long-delayed homes have now been delivered across the country.
Friends,
Another aspect that affects daily life is connectivity and transport. Today, if you look at social media, tourists from around the world are amazed by our metro system.
Friends,
In 2014, about 2.8 million people traveled daily by metro. Today, nearly 12.8 million people travel by metro every day. Now, high-speed trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat are connecting the nation. With better roads and highways, not only is time saved, but vehicle maintenance costs have also reduced. In recent years, the number of airports has doubled. This has given the middle class in many smaller cities the opportunity to fly for the first time.
Friends,
In the past 12 years, India has not only increased the earnings of the middle class but also their savings. In 2013–14, income up to about ₹2 lakh was taxable, and the middle class bore that burden. Today, income up to ₹12 lakh is tax-free. In other words, tax-free income has multiplied several times.
Friends,
GST reforms have also brought great convenience to the middle class. Filing taxes has become easier, saving both time and money. Income tax returns can now be filed from home, and even settlement issues are handled in a faceless manner.
Friends,
A major expense for middle-class families is treatment for diabetes and other lifestyle-related conditions. At Jan Aushadhi Kendras, such medicines are available at an 80 percent discount. If earlier you spent ₹1,000, today you spend only ₹200, saving ₹800. Over the years, this has resulted in savings of nearly ₹40,000 crore for countless families. Another significant portion of the middle-class budget goes toward healthcare for the elderly. Today, every citizen above 70 years of age is entitled to free treatment up to ₹5 lakh.
Friends,
It is human nature to forget past difficulties when conveniences become routine. Earlier, you paid tax on ₹2 lakh income; now, up to ₹12 lakh is tax-free. Yet applause comes only when reminded. On the other hand, if a bus or train is delayed, complaints pour in. This is the most vocal class.
Friends,
As I said, people forget old troubles. You may not even remember the difficulties once faced in getting a driving license or passport. Earlier, it was a struggle. Today, obtaining a driving license is easier, and passports are usually issued within three days.
Friends,
I know the way our government works has raised people’s aspirations. Once a demand is met, people immediately seek something better, something upgraded. If earlier the demand was for a new road, once built, the next question is: when will the metro arrive? Earlier, expectations were that trains should arrive on time and provide clean seating. Today, the demand is: why isn’t Vande Bharat running on our route?
Friends,
Some see this as dissatisfaction, but it is aspiration. In fact, even the Congress party constantly says, “Modi ji, this should happen, that should happen.” They trust that if anyone can deliver, it is this government.
Friends,
Aspirations arise only where people believe dreams can be fulfilled. This is the aspiration of India’s youth, poor, and middle class. Today, it is the driving energy of BJP-NDA governments.
Friends,
On one side, a large section of the nation is aspirational. On the other side, there is a political group whose life mantra has become “Always Against.” This group is filled with chronic dissatisfaction. Let me share some symptoms so Republic TV viewers can recognize them. They will say, “Why doesn’t this place have 24-hour electricity?” But the next day, they protest against dams, solar parks, thermal plants, or nuclear projects. One day they ask why there is no electricity, the next day they oppose power generation. These are the same people who once opposed mineral mining, but today ask where India’s rare earth mineral reserves and supply chains are, and why India doesn’t have an EV ecosystem like other countries. They once debated “data versus flour,” but now demand to know what India has done in AI. In one breath, they say AI should have advanced further, and in the next, they oppose data centers and semiconductor plants, listing endless drawbacks on social media, TV debates, and newspapers.
Friends,
These people bring up corruption indices from around the world to put India in the dock. Their ecosystem’s media amplifies it 24/7. But when action is taken against corruption, they are the first to cry foul, claiming raids and investigations are harassment. They question why action is taken now, why not then, why against A and not B. This is their game.
Friends,
It is vital for the nation to understand their character. Especially our youth, and Gen Z in particular, must recognize them quickly. Otherwise, as I say, “Suryavanshi has arrived,” and he explains swiftly.
Friends,
These people claim the armed forces lack freedom and weapons. But when the government makes a defense deal or buys modern arms, they are the first to question why. They challenge India’s diplomacy worldwide, but when India builds infrastructure projects for diplomacy and security, they protest loudly.
Friends,
At this crucial juncture, India must identify such people, understand their flawed arguments, and remain alert. Unfortunately, today the main opposition party, Congress, has been taken over by such elements. To imagine Congress speaking of Nation First, as it did in Gandhi ji’s time, is now a false dream.
Friends,
The world today is challenging old paradigms, and the scale of disruption is immense. But these challenges also bring new opportunities. Every youth, entrepreneur, innovator, and startup in India must focus on these opportunities. The government, with the spirit of Nation First, stands fully with the people. India is now riding the Reform Express. This momentum will only accelerate. From this Republic TV platform, I say again: our dreams are vast, and our efforts will be equally immense. The collective endeavor of 1.4 billion Indians will build a developed India. And I assure you, you will see this developed India with your own eyes. It will not be left for future generations to wait. With this confidence, I once again extend my best wishes to Republic TV, its viewers, and all of you. Thank you very much!
