Need for justice to poorest of the poor stressed: Governor

Vijayawada: Stating that the poorest of the poor were not able to get protection of the law as they were not able to come before the court, Governor Biswa Bhusan Harichandan said it is the duty of the executive, judiciary and social service organisations to ensure that they get equal protection of the law.

He was speaking at the function organised to celebrate the Constitution Day also known as Samvidhan Diwas on Raj Bhavan premises here on Tuesday. The Governor said freedom of speech and expression guaranteed in the Constitution was not absolute but there was reasonable restriction imposed to safeguard the interests of the nation.

He said while people are rushing to the courts for protection of fundamental rights, sensible citizens should also observe the fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution. The Governor said a special session of Parliament was held in the Central Hall, to commemorate the 'Constitution Day' marking 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November, 1949.

The Governor said it was a befitting the occasion to pay tributes to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of Constitution and others involved in the process. Stating that Indian Constitution was the best in the world, Harichandan said the Constitution gives protection to its citizens under the fundamental rights such as equality before law and equal protection of the law.

He said this was the day aimed at creating awareness among people of the country about their rights and duties laid down under the Constitution. Later, the Governor administered the Pledge on Fundamental Duties enshrined in the Constitution under Article 51A.

Chief Justice of AP High Court Justice J K Maheswari, panchayat raj minister Peddireddi Ramachandra Reddy, civil supplies minister Kodali Sri Venkateswara Rao (Nani), Chief Secretary Nilam Sawhney, DGP D Gautam Sawang, MLA Malladi Vishnu paid floral tributes to Dr. Ambedkar.

Students of Sri Nritya Kala Nilayam, presented dance performances on the occasion.